Mosque Expansion Approved Amid Resident Concerns Over Noise and Parking

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council has approved controversial plans to expand the Jamei Mosque, a decision that has heightened tensions with local residents who cite noise disturbances and severe parking issues.

The council stated its decision was guided by equality legislation, specifically the Equality Act (2010), which mandates advancing equality of opportunity. This has led some residents to claim that councilors were hesitant to reject the plans for fear of being labeled racist.

Residents in the Winton suburb of Bournemouth have complained for years about a rapid increase in Muslim worshippers, leading to community friction. Specific grievances include being woken by early morning prayers, roads being obstructed by illegally parked cars, and noise from the Imam using a microphone for prayers, as well as loud gatherings outside the mosque.

More than 20 residents formally objected to the mosque's plans to increase its capacity by building into the loft, warning that the expansion would exacerbate existing problems. They described the situation as "mayhem" on surrounding narrow streets during prayer times, with cars parked illegally on double yellow lines, across driveways, and near junctions. Some residents expressed concerns about safety, recounting near-misses with vehicles and the difficulty of navigating blocked pavements.

"I think the council have ignored us (the residents) because they don't want to be accused of Islamophobia," one neighbor stated. Another resident added, "The council has taken the easy way out, I think because they were worried that if they rejected it they would be seen to be racist."

The mosque, which originally opened over 20 years ago as a smaller facility, has reportedly outgrown its current capacity of 600 people. The influx of worshippers has led to significant challenges in the densely populated residential area.

In response to the objections, planning officials have imposed conditions on the expansion. These include an 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. curfew for prayers, with no use of the Tannoy system after 7 p.m. Additionally, the existing gravel car park must be paved over to mitigate noise issues. Planning documents indicate the proposed extension will incorporate a meeting room and an area for women and children.

A council planning officer's report stated that the expansion's impact on the character and appearance of the area is not expected to be unduly significant. Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, acknowledged residents' concerns regarding highway safety, parking, and traffic. She noted that civil enforcement officers patrol the area daily to monitor illegal parking and issue Penalty Charge Notices where necessary, asserting that "Each planning decision is determined on its own merits and in accordance with the law."