Former call centre to be converted into mosque

The building on Tadman Street in Wakefield was previously used as offices

A former call centre is to be converted into a mosque after planning permission was granted.

The building on Tadman Street in Wakefield was previously occupied by water and energy firm Kingspan, but then stood vacant for about three years.

The property was "currently being used for a place of worship and community centre without planning permission", according to Wakefield Council.

The application for the mosque stated the building – which was bought by a charity following public donations - would be used as a place of worship for the Islamic faith and would "be open and available for five daily prayers and Eid community prayers".

"The building would be used as a place of gathering around Ramadan," the application said.

"Alongside the prayer facility, a madrassa will operate for children to study the Quran."

The application to the council added that classes for up to 20 children were proposed for the site on weekday evenings.

The facility would be allowed to operate from 06:00 to 22:00, Monday to Saturday, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Parking concerns

Documents submitted to Wakefield Council said a new mosque was needed as an existing prayer facility in the city centre had been forced to close to make way for a major redevelopment project.

A total of 454 people commented in favour of the scheme, with supporters claiming a new place of worship for Muslims was needed in the area.

The council also received 194 objections, citing concerns it would create traffic congestion and lead to "excessive on-street parking".

Council highways officers initially also objected to the plan, saying it would be "detrimental to pedestrian and highway safety" during peak times on Fridays and Saturdays.

But that objection was later withdrawn after the applicant submitted a transport statement which said the madrassa would "encourage the use of public transport and cycles for attendees".

"The building is situated to service the local community and car users would be discouraged or asked to car share," it said.

Council officers previously expressed concerns about the project as the building lies within an employment zone.

However, documents showed no offers has been made to use the building for commercial purposes, despite it being marketed by an estate agent since April 2023.

Approving the proposal, the council officer's report said: "The scheme has provided justification for the loss of employment land and that there are sufficient alternative employment sites in the area."

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