AhlulBayt News Agency: Al-Haqq Academy, a local charity based in Gravesend, England, has resubmitted plans to transform the former Peacock pub into a mosque and community space. The revised proposal comes six months after the initial application was rejected by Gravesham Borough Council. The organization hopes the updated submission will address concerns raised in the previous decision.
The original application, submitted in October 2023, faced objections related to the financial viability of the pub. Council officials were unconvinced that the establishment had no commercial potential. Additionally, concerns over unclear operating hours and their possible impact on residents led to its rejection.
The new application aims to provide a stronger case for the conversion. It states that the Peacock pub had been listed for sale since 2020 without serious interest from buyers before being sold in 2024. The proposal also emphasizes that the area is well-served by other pubs, citing nine alternatives within a ten-minute walking distance.
Under the updated plans, the mosque and madrasa would host five daily prayer sessions and accommodate religious instruction for up to 30 children. The academy reassures the council that maximum capacity attendance is rare and stresses that Islamic tradition encourages walking to prayer, reducing potential traffic congestion.
The application argues that places of worship generally have less impact on local amenities compared to public houses, which can create concerns for police and emergency services. Additionally, it highlights a “significant under-provision” of Muslim prayer spaces in Gravesham, referencing the 2021 census, which recorded 3,326 Muslims in the borough while only two mosques are available—both operating at full capacity.
Given these factors, the academy contends that transforming the pub into a mosque and madrasa would address a genuine community need. It hopes the council will recognize the benefits of the initiative, including greater access to religious services for local Muslims and a reduction in any pub-related disturbances.
A final decision on the application is expected by June 23, 2025. If approved, the project will mark a significant step toward meeting the religious and educational needs of the Muslim community in Gravesend.
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