A planning appeal has been launched in an attempt to overturn a refused proposal for a new community centre in Hatfield.
The application by Abdul Rouf proposed the construction of a "one-and-a-half storey community centre with prayer space", at 58 St Albans Road East, next to St Luke's Church
The plans would also see the former St John's Ambulance building, erected in 1899 for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, demolished.
A planning statement said the new community centre would be used as for "culturally-specific classes, as well as congregational prayer space that would in particular benefit members of the community who are of the Islamic faith".
"Currently there exists no dedicated prayer facility for the Muslim community within the whole of Hatfield. The nearest facility can only be found in St. Albans," the application added.
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council refused the application in August last year, saying: "The proposal is considered to be inappropriate within the setting of the nearby Grade II-listed church due to its scale, detailing and materiality, particularly considering the loss of a building with historic interest within the setting of the church.
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"The proposal by reason of design, size and siting would be overtly dominant and visually obtrusive, whilst the general lack of space around the building would result in a distinctly cramped appearance.
"Accordingly, the proposed development would be of a poor standard of design, failing to take the opportunities to function well and add to the overall quality of the area."
Concerns were also raised about a lack of parking and disabled access, as well as increased traffic caused by the community centre.
These issues were argued against in an appeal statement, which read: "The existing building has a footprint of approximately 150sqm and the proposed building has a footprint of approximately 187sqm over two floors, and therefore not significantly larger in comparison, particularly in relation to the footprint.
"This somewhat minimises the purported issue of the site appearing cramped.
"It is clear when assessing this case that the proposal is acceptable. It is providing a much needed community use in a sustainable location which will support the existing infrastructure in place and will promote alternative modes of transport."
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