2 hrs ago
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
By Charles Elliman Reporter
A BINGO hall could officially become a Muslim place of worship and a community centre.
A retrospective planning application has been submitted by Illias Mustafa to change the use of the former Mecca Leisure Bingo Hall, in Junction Road, Andover, to use as a place of worship and community centre.
The planning statement said: “The applicant, on behalf of the local Muslim community, acquired this property following the council’s recommendation as a suitable site for the proposed use.”
charitable organisations and local groups to provide free educational opportunities and host informative events.”
These include: English language lessons; health awareness programmes; fundraising coffee mornings; school visits; clubs; Scouts; open days; exhibitions; and inter-faith events.
Concerning its function as a place of worship, the hall would be open daily and intermittently, with Friday midday prayers serving as the peak time.
The statement said: “The staggered nature of visits ensures that there is no significant increase in traffic congestion or strain on local amenities, resulting in no more than an hour of use throughout the day.”
The proposal does not include any alterations to the external elevations of the building, which was a bingo hall from 1976.
To date, the applicant has carried out minor internal work, such as painting, replacement of old furnishing and fitting a new carpet.
The statement also noted substantial support for the place of worship. It said: “At the time of submission, over 150 individuals have signed in favour of the proposal, highlighting the community’s recognition of the centre’s positive contribution.”
In its conclusion, it noted: “This planning application seeks to support the change of use of an existing and underutilised building to a community centre and place of worship, facilitating the relocation of an established local group that has served the community from nearby premises for over a decade.”
It continued: “The facility has demonstrated that it can operate harmoniously within a residential setting, as evidenced by its long-standing presence at 48 East Street with no recorded complaints.
“The proposed location is highly accessible and represents a logical continuation of a well-established use while offering a more suitable and spacious environment for users.
“Given the strong policy support, community benefit, and absence of demonstrable harm, the proposed change of use represents a sustainable and socially valuable development. It is therefore respectfully requested that planning permission be granted.”
One person has objected to the plans – Ann Garman, of Balmoral Road – who raised concerns about parking and said she would not object if residents-only parking was introduced at certain times.
She added: “Safety is also an issue. Would-be parkers for the former bingo hall are flying around the roads looking for a space.”
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
source https://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/25089246.andover-bingo-hall-muslim-place-worship/
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Europe, UK