Plan to convert disused pub into mosque approved

The council said some residents had raised concerns about parking in the surrounding area

Plans to covert a disused Leicester pub into a mosque and community centre have been given the go-ahead.

Leicester City Council's planning committee approved a scheme to renovate the derelict Mayflower pub, in Thurnby Lodge, at a meeting on Tuesday.

The 1950s-built pub closed in 2018 and has been repeatedly targeted by vandals and arsonists, councillors were told.

More than 300 people wrote to planning officers supporting the proposal to bring the building back into use.

Applicant Gervas Properties Ltd said the community was "crying out for a centre to accommodate their social, spiritual and physical wellbeing".

About 40 people raised objections to the proposal.

The concerns included that the move would create parking problems on nearby streets at times of worship and noise from events and functions.

The applicant said it could provide additional parking spaces on site if needed and stewards to manage traffic.

The committee also approved a condition preventing the playing of an amplified call to pray.

Abdul Osman, city councillor for the area, said: "Overall the majority of people want to see some sort of development on there.

"I am glad to see a community centre and place of worship on the table. It will add value for the area."

Under the approved plans, a multi-purpose hall will be created in the building with classrooms to teach up to 75 students in the evenings.

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