Plans for an ‘urgently needed’ Muslim place of worship and community centre have been refused over parking concerns.
Muslim Community Connect Wokingham wanted to convert Unit 4 of Winnersh Fields into a building for ‘Islamic education, worship and community’.
The building was previously used as an office and is close to other offices and retail spaces.
Plans submitted to Wokingham Borough Council argued that a place of worship for the Muslim community would contribute towards their social inclusion.
The existing 14 car parking spaces would be used by visitors, according to the plans.
Residents would be able to access the centre via public transport given the proximity to Winnersh Triangle station and nearby bus stops.
Plans had received dozens of letters of support from the Muslim community arguing it would add value to the area.
Jawad Chowdry wrote to the council: “The Muslim population in the borough has grown over the last few years and this space would provide a much needed place of worship and community space.
“There are many Muslim working professionals and business owners living in Wokingham and this facility would go a long way to support a thriving, diverse community.”
Sana Naseem said the centre was ‘urgently needed’ while Saad Iqbal said it would ‘enrich the entire Winnersh community’.
But others raised concerns about whether enough parking would be supplied for those visiting the centre, as well as the impact on surrounding roads.
Varuna Bhat said the area is ‘already busy’ and worried the additional car movement would ‘worsen the situation’.
Conservative Councillor Pauline Jorgensen said she was supportive of the centre but the plans had ‘inadequate’ parking provisions.
“The access road to the site is difficult to exit already as visbility of traffic coming from Wokingham is not good and often causes near misses,” Cllr Jorgensen wrote, “if this development is to go ahead improvements should be made to the junction”.
Deputy leader of the council Prue Bray said she ‘welcomed’ the plans as it is ‘extremely difficult’ for faith communities to find suitable locations for worship, including Christian denominations.
But Cllr Bray said parking conditions should be applied if given approval.
Wokingham Borough Council planning officers have now refused the plans.
In its decision notice, the council said the applicant had failed to demonstrate how the proposal would not have an adverse effect on highways and traffic.
While the applicant argued a wide range of public transport options, some would not be available during times of proposed use of the site.
