Councillors in North Somerset have unanimously approved plans to expand the Weston Islamic Education Centre mosque in Weston-super-Mare, overcoming a wave of racist opposition. The decision was made at a meeting on February 18, where security was tight due to the sensitive nature of the application.
The mosque, located on Waterloo Street, has been serving the local Muslim community since 2010. The proposed expansion would create a larger indoor prayer space, new men’s and women’s prayer halls, religious washing facilities, and a small ghusl room for funeral preparations. The design also includes a refreshed facade on Palmer Street to better integrate the building into the streetscape, changing the originally proposed blue tiles to brick to harmonize with neighboring structures.
Despite concerns raised over parking and the loss of retail space, the majority of objections centered on racist fears of “Islamification” and blatant opposition to the presence of Muslims in the area. Some comments went as far as to claim that the mosque’s approval might lead to mixed-race descendants among councillors. Out of 1,046 public comments, 720 were objections, many of which prompted the council to temporarily remove offensive comments from view last July.
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During the meeting, planning committee member John Crockford Hawley emphasized that the decision was grounded in planning law and not influenced by racial prejudices. He encouraged the community to bridge gaps of misunderstanding through shared experiences, such as food and conversation.
Catherine Reynolds, a local councillor and anti-racism champion, highlighted the mosque’s role as an inclusive community center open to all residents, noting its positive relationship with the neighboring Christian church and public access to a community library housed within the mosque.
The application also addressed objections about separate prayer areas for men and women, explaining these divisions are faith-based and lawful under planning guidelines. Additionally, the mosque confirmed it does not and will not broadcast an external call to prayer, which aligns with British mosque practices. The planning permission includes a condition prohibiting any amplified external call to prayer in the future.
Some objectors argued that the mosque has no planning permission to operate in that location at all. However, council officers stated that the mosque’s long-standing presence without enforcement action means the use is considered established.
Mohammed Haque, a senior member of the mosque management, expressed relief at the approval and condemned the racial hostility faced by the community. He emphasized that the mosque contributes positively beyond its Muslim congregation, including supporting a local food bank. Haque also recounted personal experiences of cultural misunderstanding and branded efforts to pressure the community to change as bullying.
Muslims comprise only 0.6% of the North Somerset population, and this mosque is the only one in the district. The planned expansion is seen by councillors as an opportunity to revitalize a run-down area, enhance community facilities, and strengthen social cohesion.
Planning committee chair Robert Payne remarked on the importance of places of worship as community landmarks, noting the current building does little to enhance the street’s appearance. Labour councillor Hugh Malyan described the upgrade as a “dramatic improvement,” welcoming the mosque’s expanded role in an already active community.
The unanimous vote sends a clear message supporting diversity and inclusivity in Weston-super-Mare in the face of racism and misunderstanding.