Plans announced to demolish and rebuild mosque

Plans to demolish a "poorly maintained" mosque in Leicester and rebuild a modern place of worship have been submitted.

Jamia Masjid E Bilal in Evington Valley Road could make way for a new two-storey mosque, which would include more space and facilities for women and a nursery.

The new purpose-built mosque will also feature parking, secure cycle storage, outdoor space and a sheltered pedestrian area at the front, the plans show.

According to the planning application submitted to Leicester City Council, the existing mosque is "no longer fit for purpose".

A large warehouse building was converted to create the current mosque, which opened in 2022.

Planning documents state due to the constraints of converting the building and the evolving congregation of the mosque, the building is "no longer serving the requirements of the community".

It said the proposal would "regenerate a poorly maintained mosque to a modern mosque with better energy efficiency and building performance".

The plans would deliver a "more inviting design" for a community venue and the modern space would incorporate environmentally friendly features and introduce renewable energy technology, the documents added.

The maximum capacity will be reduced from 850 people to 600 under the new plans and the nursery would be operated by an external company.

A public consultation has started and ends on 28 May, with a decision on the plans expected in July.

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