Plans to rebuild Rotherham Broom Lane mosque rebuild backed by planners
The previous single-storey building, formerly a health centre, had operated as a mosque and madrasah for more than a decade, and has been demolished.
Plans to rebuild an established mosque on Broom Lane with dedicated classrooms have been recommended for approval despite residents’ concerns about parking, congestion and the building’s size.
Rotherham Council planners recommend approving the replacement building at 158 Broom Lane, saying it closely resembles a scheme granted permission in 2018.
The application will go before the planning board at its next meeting on October 8 due to the number of objections.
The previous single-storey building, formerly a health centre, had operated as a mosque and madrasah for more than a decade, and has been demolished.
The proposed replacement would include first-floor classrooms, improved washing and toilet facilities, and kitchen and dining space.
A larger scheme was refused in 2020 after planners said it would loom over a neighbouring home and look out of scale with the street. A planning inspector upheld that decision on appeal.
Officers say the latest two-storey proposal differs from that rejected scheme and closely resembles plans approved in 2018.
The applicant says the old prayer hall doubled as a teaching space, creating practical difficulties, and dedicated classrooms would give children a better learning environment while separating lessons from worship.
It says the plans are intended to improve facilities for the existing congregation rather than increase worshipper numbers or children’s attendance.
The call to prayer would remain inside the building, with no proposal for it to be amplified outside.
The council received 67 representations by August 4, with more opposed than supportive. A separate petition backing the scheme attracted 85 signatures.
Objectors say existing parking obstructs driveways, makes it difficult for buses and larger vehicles to pass, and creates risks for cyclists. Some fear further congestion could hinder access to the neighbouring care home.
One resident described parking as “absolutely atrocious” and branded the proposed building an “eye sore”.
Residents have also questioned whether the building would fit the surrounding housing.
Supporters describe the mosque as a community focal point and say many users live within walking distance. The applicant says overflow parking is available at Broom Lane Methodist Church for Friday prayers.
One wrote: “It provides an important place of worship, education, guidance and community support.”
Another said the development could strengthen community relationships and reduce social isolation.
Highways officers raise no objection, saying the rebuild is not intended to increase attendance and would have a similar traffic impact to plans approved in 2018.
Conditions would prevent lessons and prayers taking place at the same time and require a travel plan to be submitted.
Officers also reject concerns that the building would be overbearing or out of keeping, saying it closely resembles the 2018 approval and the street contains varied architectural styles.
They consider the impact on neighbours acceptable, subject to conditions controlling overlooking, noise and construction disturbance.