Prayer hall backers try to calm outrage

THE DEVELOPERS of a controversial Muslim-led community centre and prayer hall in Leeds have vowed to work “in partnership” with locals after their plans to transform a derelict former factory site were approved despite a massive outcry from locals.

Charity Aspiring Communities’ plans for the Ice Pak site, on Barkly Road in Beeston, were first submitted in December 2013 and went on to attract nearly 2,800 objections – including from MP Hilary Benn and local councillors.

Concerns were raised over the scale of the proposal – described as a mixed-use development with sports hall, teaching, prayer and community facilities rather than a mosque – as well as increased traffic and lack of parking.

After Leeds City Council delayed its final decision on the plans, the scheme was brought before a public inquiry – and now the inspector’s final decision to approve the plans has been announced. The news has been met with anger by some locals, many of whom have been having their say on the Save Our Beeston Facebook page, which was set up to fight the development. The site’s moderators were also forced to remove hundreds of abusive comments.

Sean Sturman, the group’s founder, said conditions imposed by the inspector – including limiting numbers and hours of use and no amplified calls to prayer – did not alleviate concerns.

A spokesman for Aspiring Communities said: “We acknowledge the legitimate concerns. The Aspiring Communities vision was, and is, all about community cohesion, tolerance and respect. We will continue to work in partnership with the community to break down barriers.” He added: “We look forward to a highly inclusive, open-access facility.”