Questions to the Chelmsford Muslim Society 22/01/2020
Prior to our public meeting on 30/01/20 held at the Hamptons, we sent the following questions to the CMS. No response has been received to date:-
1.0 PLANNING CONSENT & USE
1.1 The existing building currently has a “Sui Generis” Class of Use as defined under The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.
a) Will the CMS be submitting a change of use application to incorporate Class D1 (Place of Worship) ?
b) If yes, when does the CMS expect to be submitting this change of use planning application?
c) What are the intentions of the CMS with regards to use of the building until it is confirmed by the local authority as to whether a change of use application is required, or until such time that any application is approved?
1.2 The statement issued by the CMS on 14/1/20 states that it will “remain as Hampton Sports and Leisure”. Can the CMS please confirm therefore that there is no intention to change the name of the centre?
1.3 Can the CMS please advise their expected hours of operation and whether there will be a plan for 24 hour access to the centre either now or in the future.
1.4 Does the CMS have any plans for any modifications, demolitions, extensions or new build to the current building (internally or externally)?
2.0 TRAFFIC, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL
2.1 The funding page by CMS on muslimgiving.org states “it can easily accommodate 1000 worshippers”. Subsequent statement issued 14/1/20 revised this number to 500. Can the CMS please confirm;
a) Which figure is correct and please explain the reason for halving the initial quoted number?
b) Please advise details of your travel plan with respect to the number of people and the expect methods of transport, in particular, the estimate for the number of parking spaces required, taking into account the size of the building and expected occupancy.
c) Please advise what the expected catchment area will be for the use of the building or facilities will be.
d) What parking control measures will the CMS be putting in place? The centre has only 98 car park spaces, historically events at the centre have resulted in parking demands in excess of availability with vehicles illegally parked on pavements and green space (that is not owned by the centre) and increasing pressure on parking in the local residential roads that are not currently controlled parking. The residential development suffers badly from parking disputes and issues already. How will this be managed to prevent this continuing or worsening?
2.2 Can the CMS please advise what measures will be put in place to control noise from the centre, particularly if the centre is to open outside of normal sociable hours.
3.0 CONTINUING OF SOCIAL INCLUSION TO ALL OF THE COMMUNITY
3.1 The statement issued by the CMS on 14/1/20 states that it will “Our plans are to continue to use the premises as a community and leisure facility for all members of the community of Chelmsford.”. Can the CMS therefore please confirm that use of the centre in any form (including membership or events) will continue to be open to all corners of society, with no refusal or discrimination for the use of its services based upon age, nationality, race, religion, gender, sexuality or anything else. Will all areas and rooms within the building be made available for public use, if not which rooms will not be and please confirm reasons for this.
3.2 The CMS have confirmed that they are removing all bar facilities and alcohol license. This has been the biggest proportion of revenue income for the centre. Could the CMS confirm;
a) If any existing bookings have been cancelled following this announcement and whether this was anticipated by the CMS
b) Whether they expect any loss of demand for membership and/or use of the facilities without the provision of an alcohol license.
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c) Whether the CMS are concerned about any reduction in demand for the facilities with respect to the loss of income and running and maintenance costs of the centre.
3.3 One existing other religious group who have used the centre have been told by the CMS that they cannot continue to make use of the facility under its current arrangement. This has been confirmed on social media by the secretary of the CMS. Please can the CMS:
a) Explain the reasons for this
b) What alternative arrangements have been offered to accommodate them.
c) Has the CMS advised any other existing individuals or groups who use the centre or who have booked an event that they cannot continue to make use of the facility in the manner they have done to date.
d) Clarify the comment made by the secretary of the CMS on social media, in reference to the other religious group, stated “we are taking the rooms up downstairs”. Can you please clarify this comment, will the downstairs rooms still be available for public hire?
3.4 Will the CMS be enforcing any rules for any members or guests based upon Islamic cultural or religious beliefs, for example
a) Clothing b) Gender segregation c) Food (either prepared in the centre or brought in)
3.5 With regards to existing and future staff at the centre, please confirm if the CMS
a. Will be keeping on all staff be kept on irrespective of age, nationality, race, religion, gender, sexuality.
b. Plan to make any staff or position redundant.
c. Will all future employment opportunities be open to all irrespective of age, nationality, race, religion, gender, sexuality etc.