Bury St Edmunds Out Westgate mosque plans approved

West Suffolk Council has approved change of use plans by applicant Abdul Rashid on behalf of the Bury St Edmunds Islamic Cultural Organisation for the Vineyard Centre in Out Westgate. 

The plans, registered with the council in June, include the use of the ground floor for worship and the conversion of part of the first floor office into a living space for an Imam.

According to a design and access statement before the council, the first floor would also house a room for women's prayer as well as evening "educational classes for children" and "community activities such as the inter-faith dialogue meetings". 

The building, originally built in the 1940s for use as a Baptist Church, is currently empty. 

Letters of support and objection were received by the council on the plans, with supporters raising that there is currently no dedicated space for the Muslim community, and adding that it would promote and encourage diversity and understanding of faiths. 

Objection comments included fears surrounding noise disturbance from people using the building, highways safety and a lack of parking, and that it was "not in keeping" with the religious or historical character of the building. 

Other concerns were raised around the safety of the female congregation accessing the site for early or late prayers. 

In a delegated report, officers wrote: "The concerns expressed by neighbour letters regarding the safety of the female congregation using the mosque for early and late prayers are noted, however the pedestrian route, via Out Westgate is well lit and has considerable public observation which would serve to reduce any potential risks." 

They added: "Comments regarding the religious history of Bury St Edmunds and the building are noted, however there is no policy justification which would restrict the proposed community use on this basis." 

The plans were approved by West Suffolk Council on October 23.