Newmarket Mosque Expansion Faces Objections Over Parking, Noise

Plan for Newmarket mosque at Five Bells pub site draws concerns over parking, noise impacting nearby stables. Council rejects proposal.

Newmarket Mosque Expansion Faces Objections Over Parking, Noise
Newmarket Mosque Expansion Faces Objections Over Parking, Noise

A plan aims to convert old stables in Newmarket’s center into a mosque, sparking concerns among residents. The Town Council addressed the application submitted by the Newmarket Islamic group. They propose repurposing the old Five Bells pub, currently located in St Mary’s Square.

Council members inspected the site prior to Monday’s meeting, with Rachel Hood, John Harvey, and Kevin Yarrow in attendance. The Islamic group cites the growing Muslim population in Newmarket as the reason for needing more space. They also emphasize the need to repair the stables. The group states that the mosque would cater to the needs of both current and future generations.

Their proposal includes a small, single-story addition to house an Imam’s pulpit, known as a mimbar, facilitating daily prayers. However, The Jockey Club opposes the plan, citing a lack of parking. They are concerned that illegal parking will negatively affect Saville House stables, which are located next door.

Willie Musson, the owner of Saville House stable, voiced his concerns to council members, suggesting that the Islamic center find a new location with ample parking. He anticipates approximately 500 daily visitors from Ely, Bury, and Haverhill. Musson noted that the roads are already dangerous, and increased traffic would exacerbate the situation.

He highlighted Saville House’s long history of housing racehorses, emphasizing their need for tranquility, adding that Noise is a significant concern. The pub’s former beer garden, now concrete, is occasionally used as an outdoor prayer space. Musson reported that the prayer leader sometimes uses a microphone, with the noise lasting throughout the day and night.

John Berry echoed concerns about noise, while Jo McHugh suggested soundproofing as a potential requirement to mitigate noise issues if the project is approved. The council expresses a desire to renovate the building, but objects to the project, citing the impact on parking and stables. Consequently, they decided to reject the proposal in its current form.

The Islamic center purchased the pub in 2018. Current plans include toilets and washing areas within a single-story building. This joins the stables and ChristChurch and is acting as a storage area.

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