Community Urges Support for New Havering Islamic Centre Masjid 2026

Key Points

• Plans for a larger, purpose-built masjid known as the Havering Islamic Centre in Romford, Havering, have sparked local debate ahead of a key council decision.
• Supporters are rallying community backing to influence the London Borough of Havering’s planning committee.
• The proposed development aims to replace or expand existing facilities to better serve the growing Muslim population in the area.
• Local residents and faith leaders have voiced both support for enhanced community services and concerns over traffic, parking, and neighbourhood impact.
• The application is under review by Havering Council, with a decision expected soon, prompting urgent calls for public submissions.
• Proponents highlight the masjid’s role in providing education, welfare support, and interfaith activities.
• Objectors cite potential disruption to the local residential character and strain on infrastructure.
• The initiative is backed by prominent local Muslim organisations and figures urging unity and inclusivity.
• Historical context includes previous smaller-scale Islamic facilities in Romford facing capacity issues.
• Campaigners emphasise economic benefits, such as job creation and community cohesion in a diverse borough.

Romford, Havering (East London Times) February 18, 2026 – Community leaders in Romford are intensifying efforts to garner support for plans to construct a new, purpose-built Havering Islamic Centre masjid, as the London Borough of Havering prepares for a pivotal planning decision that could reshape local religious infrastructure. The proposal, which has ignited passionate debate among residents, seeks to address the spiritual and social needs of the area’s expanding Muslim population amid concerns over capacity and community impact. Supporters argue the development will foster greater inclusion, while critics raise practical issues like traffic flow.

Why Is the Community Being Urged to Support the Masjid Plans?

The call for backing stems from the impending Havering Council planning committee meeting, where public input could sway the outcome. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Islam Channel, community organiser Aisha Rahman stated:

“We need every voice in Romford to support this vital project, which will serve not just Muslims but the entire borough through education and welfare programmes.”

The urgency arises because the current facilities at existing prayer spaces are overstretched, accommodating hundreds weekly but struggling with demand from younger families and converts.​

Havering Islamic Centre representatives have launched an online petition and letter-writing campaign targeting councillors. According to Tom Bradley of the Romford Recorder, imam Khalid Hussain remarked:

“This masjid will be a beacon of unity in our diverse community, offering youth programmes and interfaith dialogues that benefit all.”

These efforts aim to counter a wave of objections logged on the council’s planning portal, ensuring the application reflects broad consensus.

What Are the Key Features of the Proposed Havering Islamic Centre?

The plans outline a modern, two-storey masjid on a site in Romford’s Gidea Park area, featuring a main prayer hall for 500 worshippers, educational classrooms, a community hall, and ablution facilities. As detailed by Emma Patel of Havering Post, the design incorporates sustainable elements like solar panels and green roofs to align with council eco-policies. Architect Fatima Noor, quoted in the report, explained:

“The building will blend seamlessly with the suburban landscape, using brick facades and low-rise structures to minimise visual impact.”

Additional amenities include a library, women’s section, and car parking for 50 vehicles, with provisions for cycle storage and public transport links. Planning documents submitted to Havering Council, as covered by Local Democracy Reporter Nick Clark of Barking & Dagenham Star, emphasise noise mitigation through insulated walls and timed prayer schedules. The centre promises weekly welfare distributions, ESL classes, and counselling services, positioning it as a multifaceted hub.​

Where Exactly Is the New Masjid Planned and What Is the Site History?

The proposed location is a 0.8-hectare brownfield site off Gidea Park Road, previously used for light industrial storage and now vacant. Romford, as the administrative heart of Havering, has seen population growth, with the 2021 Census noting a 10% rise in Muslim residents borough-wide. As reported by David Mills of East London Times, the site was selected for its proximity to rail links and existing community facilities, reducing travel needs.

Historical records show informal prayer gatherings in Romford since the 1990s, evolving into the current Havering Islamic Cultural Centre, which operates from a converted hall. Planning expert Laura Kensington of Planning Insider noted:

“This site avoids green belt encroachment, complying with national planning guidelines while revitalising disused land.”

Neighbours recall the area’s shift from warehouses to residential, heightening sensitivities.​

Who Are the Main Supporters and What Do They Say?

Key backers include the Havering Islamic Association, local MPs, and interfaith groups. Councillor Abdul Tariq, Labour representative for Havering, told MyLondon:

“This masjid will promote social cohesion in a borough where diversity strengthens us all.”

Community petitions have garnered over 1,200 signatures, led by youth activist Omar Faisal.

As per Rachel Thompson of Ilford Recorder, the Muslim Council of Havering’s chair, Safiya Begum, asserted:

“Our centre will host food banks and job fairs, directly aiding vulnerable families post-cost-of-living crisis.”

National bodies like the Muslim Council of Britain have lent indirect support via model letters, praising the project’s community focus.​

Who Objects to the Plans and Why?

Opposition primarily comes from Gidea Park Residents’ Association and nearby homeowners worried about increased traffic during peak prayer times. Objector Margaret Ellis wrote to the council, as cited by James Harper of Romford Times:

“With 500 extra visitors weekly, our quiet streets will become congested, devaluing properties.”

Parking shortages, already acute, feature in 300+ objections.

Environmental concerns include flood risk, given Romford’s history of heavy rains. As reported by Chloe Bennett of Havering Echo, the Gidea Park Civic Society’s secretary, Roger Hale, stated:

“The development overlooks strain on local schools and GP services from population influx.”

Critics demand traffic impact assessments, neutralising support claims.​

When Is the Council Decision Expected and What Happens Next?

Havering Council’s planning committee is slated to review the application on March 10, 2026, following public consultation closing February 28. Officers’ recommendations remain pending, but precedents favour community facilities. As covered by Local Democracy Reporter Sophie Grant of Havering Observer:

“Extensions are possible if more data is needed, but community pressure could accelerate approval.”

Post-decision, appeals to the Planning Inspectorate loom if rejected. Supporters plan rallies, while objectors prepare legal challenges. Councillor Ray Morgan, Conservative planning chair, commented:

“We weigh all views fairly, balancing faith needs with resident rights.”

How Does This Fit into Havering’s Broader Community Landscape?

Havering, with 260,000 residents, boasts growing multiculturalism, Muslims comprising 8% per recent stats. Similar projects in neighbouring Redbridge succeeded, offering blueprints. As analysed by urban planner Neil Patel of London Planning Watch:

“Masjids like this drive volunteering, cutting council welfare costs long-term.”

Interfaith partnerships, including with St Andrew’s Church, underscore collaboration. Imam Yusuf Ahmed of Havering Islamic Centre told BBC Essex:

“We invite all faiths to our open days, proving faith builds bridges.”

This aligns with national trends post-2024 riots, emphasising unity.

What Economic and Social Benefits Are Promised?

Proponents project 20 jobs in management, maintenance, and teaching, plus £500,000 annual economic input via events. Welfare initiatives target homelessness and youth radicalisation prevention. As per economic report in the application, cited by Faisal Khan of Asian Trader:

“The centre will host markets boosting local shops.”

Socially, anti-extremism workshops and women’s empowerment sessions are pledged. Supporter Nadia Choudhury stated to Havering Post:

“This isn’t just a mosque; it’s a lifeline for isolated elders and troubled teens.”

Are There Similar Projects Nearby and Lessons Learned?

Redbridge Islamic Centre’s 2024 expansion navigated objections via enhanced parking, approved after revisions. Barking’s Al-Madani Girls School faced delays but succeeded on community merits. Lessons include early neighbour engagement, as advised by Planning Aid England.

Havering’s 2025 community centre approval sets precedent, per council minutes. Objectors reference unfulfilled promises in past projects, demanding binding covenants.

What Can Residents Do to Influence the Outcome?

Residents can submit views via Havering’s portal by February 28 or attend the March meeting. Supporters urge templated emails; objectors suggest site visits. Neutral observers recommend evidence-based inputs over emotion.

As veteran councillor Brenda Harper noted to Romford Live:

“Public participation is democracy in action—make your voice count constructively.”

Petitions, social media, and councillor meetings amplify reach.