Noise and traffic fears over pub mosque plans
A HISTORIC Birmingham pub could be turned into a mosque despite traffic and noise fears from locals.
The York Road Tavern, in Hall Green could become a religious hub under plans submitted to Birmingham City Council.
The thriving community pub opened before the Second World War but has been closed for three years.
The pub had attempted to increase its income by transforming into a hotel and bar but the business struggled to turn a profit and closed for good in May 2019.
ArRahma Muslim Foundation has now bought the building and applied for planning permission to convert it into a mosque with classrooms.
In the planning application, representatives for the ArRahma Foundation admitted there would be “some harm to the historical significance of the asset as a historical public house”.
But bosses said the development “will ensure that the building remains in a community use for future generations”.
But neighbours fear noise levels after it was reported prayers would start as early as 4.30 am.
One resident said: “I am a tolerant person and I’m not against anyone worshipping but I was really hoping The York would reopen as a pub.”
He added: “Before it closed in 2019 it had served beer since before World War Two. To us it was like the real Peaky Blinders pub. It had lots of history. I’m also worried about the potential for noise.
“The planning application states that prayers can start at 4.30am. That means cars and talking outside. Pubs can be loud places but at least most people go home at around 11pm.”
Mother Chelsea Du Cros, 27, who lives yards, added: “I’ve lived near a mosque before and it was a traffic nightmare. The traffic around here is already bad. There’s a nursery and children’s centre up the road and I just worry that a mosque will make it even more dangerous for kids when they cross the road.”
A spokesman for ArRahma Muslim Foundation said: “The site is being converted from a public house to place of worship with ancillary out of school setting education and community facilities.
“I can confirm we have purchased the site from the previous owners who had approval for conversion of the site from a pub to a 30-room hotel.”
The council is expected to rule on the mosque plan later this month.