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Plans for a new mosque and Muslim community centre are under consideration. The application has been made for the currently vacant building in St Martin’s Lane, Littlehampton, which was previously inhabited by Littlehampton Shopmobility. Littlehampton Muslim Trust hopes to set up a “community centre for the local Muslim community”, containing a community hall, prayer room, multiple community rooms, a meeting room and a kitchen.
It also hopes to provide services such as youth mentoring and counselling, after school and youth holiday clubs, daily prayers, weekend playgroups and evening community events . To date, the application has received over 50 comments of objection from the public, including residents and business owners. Reasons against the application include increased traffic and insufficient parking, noise and a detrimental impact on local businesses.
One objector wrote: “This town desperately requires regeneration and this building will not help. READ MORE: 'We were fighting a losing battle' - MP and residents react to Royal Mail lease grant “There will be traffic chaos and unfortunately due to some residents’ racist views it will cause some to target the mosque. “Given the amount of crime already in the town which the police do little to control with gangs of youths, drunks and drug dealers, this will only serve to inflame the situation.
” Around 13 people have written to Arun District Council in support of the plans. These comments include increased diversity and inclusion, footfall in the town, community enrichment. One supporter said: “Littlehampton has a range of different cultures living and working within it and as such our centres of faith should be as multicultural as possible to support this.
“With one Google search it is easy to see that there are seven Christian places of worship in the local area, so why shouldn’t a mosque be allowed permission to support those of Muslim faith in the area?” The application has also been supported by Littlehampton Town Council. A number of comments on the application alleged that leaflets have been distributed in the town urging residents to object to the application on the grounds of increased traffic. READ MORE: New homes will be 'an asset to the entire community', council leader says The charity launched a Crowdfunder in April to raise funds for the building of the mosque, which has currently collected £1,350.
The fundraiser reads: “We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt appeal for your support in realising a long-awaited dream for our community - the establishment of a mosque in Littlehampton. “Currently, our community faces a significant challenge as there is no mosque or Islamic centre in our town. “This means that our brothers and sisters have to travel a considerable distance, approximately 10 miles to Worthing, for Islamic education and Friday prayers.
“This distance not only poses a logistical challenge but also deprives us of a central place for spiritual growth and community cohesion. “However, there is hope on the horizon. “After extensive search and diligent efforts, we have identified a suitable property in Littlehampton that can serve as the cornerstone of our community's spiritual and educational development.
” The application was submitted in September and is due to be decided on by December 4..
