A new community facility and prayer space could be coming to Elm Park under plans submitted to Havering Council.

An application has been made to the authority to extend a mezzanine at 34 The Broadway to create a multi-purpose hall and a prayer space for Muslim students.

A supporting statement by Cityscape Planning and Architecture, acting as agent on behalf of applicant Shah Zaman, said the plans will contain additional uses for the site.

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These include the community facility, which the document says would accommodate the likes of English classes for speakers of other languages, fitness classes for the elderly, youth programmes and adult education classes.

The site was formerly a pet shop but Mr Zaman was successful in a planning application earlier this year to change its use from retail to education provision.

A tuition centre has since opened and the planned prayer space will be "greatly beneficial" to those studying there, the supporting statement said.

A Cityscape spokesperson told the Recorder: "The prayer space request is an ancillary request to accommodate staff, students and members of the local community who require it."

They added the community facility "will contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre".

"It is the applicant’s intention to provide an accessible community facility that will be a positive social hub for local residents and will strengthen community ties."

Cityscape wrote in the supporting statement that, with the exception of Elm Park Assembly Hall, other community facilities "are a significant distance" away.

They said: "By introducing another community facility within the area, the proposal will provide another avenue to address the local need for a community facility and will help avoid overburdening Elm Park Assembly Hall.

"It is critical for local areas and town centres to provide inclusive, diverse facilities... this proposal seeks to contribute towards that goal."

A decision on the application is due to be made by January 18.

To view the application and comment on it, use reference P1883.22 at development.havering.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningsearch.

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