NEWHAM CONCERN LIMITED

ABOUT NEWHAM CONCERN LIMITED

We are pleased to report that on October 28th the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government published his decision following the June 2014 planning appeal inquiry. He has refused all three appeals by the Tablighi Jamaat mosque trustees. Most importantly, he has dismissed their request to construct the "mega mosque" (with capacity for well over 9,000 worshippers) and ancillary facilities. He also refused their appeals against further temporary planning permission and an earlier enforcement notice. He did however extend the period of compliance to three months.

This is fantastic news and we are very grateful to all who have been supporting us over this long campaign. Alan Craig has commented that the result is particularly good for the people of West Ham; whole lives would have been deeply affected by the construction of such an enormous mono-cultural complex, one which has caused deep divisions in the community.

The mosque trustees can still challenge the decision on a point of law, for which the permission of the High Court would be required. Our understanding is that, should permission be refused, there is no further right of appeal on this proposal.