Plans to convert the abandoned Northwood police station into a community centre and mosque have received support from several other religious organisations in the area.
In a letter sent to Michael Briginshaw, a Hillingdon Council planning issue, St John’s United Reform Church’s James Fields, Northwood United Synagogue’s Alan Moss and the Ark Synagogue’s Susan Boobis all expressed their support for the proposal put forward by Islamic charity, the Iron Aid Foundation.
In the letter, they state: “The wider Northwood community will hugely benefit from the Iron Aid Foundation having their own building.
“Not only will the former police station be brought back to life, turning the once neglected, dilapidated and derelict eyesore into a community asset once again, it will serve as a hub for all the existing services and events.
The letter goes on to state that further delays in planning will only negatively affect the area, as the foundation wishes to open a food and clothing bank, a useful site in the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The plans have had a mixed reaction from local residents, with some pleased of a new community hub in the area, whilst others are concerned about the potential increase in traffic that might come with the building.
Iron Aid Foundation chairperson Tariq Zaman said: “We have been rooted in the local community for more than 12 years.
“Bringing back in to use the dilapidated, iconic Grade II Listed Metropolitan Police Station will allow us to seamlessly continue to provide services to the local community.”
A decision on the application is expected in December.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Your reporter fails to mention that this is a beautiful grade II listed building. The windows are boarded up yes however, this is not a dilapidated building at all. Furthermore, there are no responses or comments from a Northwood resident and the impact this will have on the local community with the extra burden of traffic, pollution and parking on the already busy roads of which there are just two nearby roads. Northwood is a small hamlet and not in need of yet another place of worship. It is an affluent area so the proposal of a food bank is preposterous. Dress it down as you like but the proposal is for a mosque, where large groups of mostly men and boys will gather. Northwood has charity shops and community groups who all help to contribute to many relevant causes. What our community really needs is more affordable housing for young families and another supermarket or shops to help cope with the rising population.
Resident
Leaf Close