(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Crawley Islamic Culture Centre and Masjid (CICCM) submitted an application to Crawley Borough Council to change the use of Langley Green Youth Centre, on Lark Rise, to a religious centre that can offer rooms for education and prayers.
The application also sought permission to use the neighbouring Scout hut's car park during Friday lunchtime prayers, when the facility would be at its busiest.
The CICCM plans to use the site for up to 18 months while rebuilding work is carried out on the mosque on London Road, Langley Green.
A travel plan was put together during the planning process to set out the proposed arrangements at peak times, including the use of parking marshals.
Faraqh Jamal, a CICCM representative, said: "We understood that the plans would be met with some anxiety but we have attended a meeting with the residents.
"We will manage the travel to the centre and we are handing out walking plans."
Committee member Duncan Crow said: "It should be pointed out that this is an empty building that will be put to good use and will be a benefit to the area.
"I have to say the Muslim community is bending over backwards to be a good neighbour."
Committee member Stephen Joyce added: "I can understand that the residents of Lark Rise are worried because it will bring about a change.
"I think the Muslim community is doing all it can to allay any fears. They have a travel plan set out and 80 per cent of the visitors will walk there.
"I have been assured that the 18 months will be more than enough time for the mosque on London Road to be rebuilt. They want to go back to their new mosque as soon as it is ready."
All of the members at a meeting of the council's development control committee voted in favour of the proposal on Monday night.
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