Leicester Council Approves Mosque Conversion of Rugby Clubhouse

Leicester City Council has approved the conversion of a former rugby clubhouse into a mosque, a decision met with both support and opposition from local residents. The planning committee granted permission for the building, located in the Aylestone area of Leicester, which has been vacant for much of the past decade since the Old Aylestonians Rugby Football Club disbanded.

The decision came after the council received a total of 38 objections citing concerns over traffic safety, parking, and noise. Some residents argued that the city already has a significant number of mosques compared to its Muslim population. In contrast, the council also received 163 supportive representations for the mosque, indicating a strong demand for the new facility.

Dr Louay Al-Alousi, who is set to be the imam of the new mosque, expressed hopes that the facility will be operational by February 2026. He emphasized that the mosque would include educational amenities and is expected to accommodate up to 100 individuals at any given time. Dr Al-Alousi assured the committee that traffic management strategies would be in place, with many attendees likely to walk or cycle to the mosque.

A report by council officials clarified that there are no plans for amplified outdoor calls to prayer, and a condition was imposed to prevent formally scheduled events from occurring outside the building. The mosque will operate between 07:00 and 23:00, extending to 00:30 during the month of Ramadan.

Concerns were raised about the existing religious facilities in the area, with some critics noting that three mosques already serve the local community. The planning meeting agenda referenced data from the 2021 Census, which indicated that Leicester has 35 mosques for over 50,000 Muslims, alongside various other places of worship.

Patrick Kitterick, the ward councillor, acknowledged the residents’ concerns but noted that traffic levels associated with the mosque would likely be comparable to those of the former sports club. He stated, “I can’t see any reason to refuse this tonight.”

The successful application was spearheaded by the charitable organization Leicester Community Assist, which highlighted the limited facilities available at existing mosques and the need for dedicated spaces, particularly for female worshippers.

While the decision has sparked debate, it reflects an ongoing effort to address the needs of a growing community in Leicester, balancing local concerns with the demand for religious and educational resources.