Havering Council has confirmed that the Havering Islamic & Cultural Centre (HICC) in Waterloo Road can continue to operate there following a planning application.
The HICC applied in August, seeking permission for the “continued use of its premises as a place of worship and assembly/community use”.
Aside from its use for worship, the venue is also used as a foodbank and soup kitchen, and a place for education.
After being established in Waterloo Road since 2007, the place of worship has now been permitted conditional approval for its continued use.
One condition attached to the approval states: “The use of the premises as a place of worship and assembly shall be for a limited period only expiring on April 1 2027 on or before which date the use shall cease.”
The HICC has been engaging in conversations with Havering Council since its premises were acquired in a compulsory purchase order (CPO) linked to the Bridge Close regeneration project.
At present, the HICC reports that its “current services remain unaffected”.
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It is expected to reopen from a new, replacement premises under the rebranded name of Havering Mosque, with formal planning consent expected “early next year”.
According to a website set up for Havering Mosque, an “agreement” has been reached between the council’s regeneration team and the HICC for a new premises at 222-226 South Street.
The construction of Havering Mosque is expected to take 18 months from when it is approved.
