Plans to extend Sheffield mosque to make more space for community youth project

Al-Taqwa Somali Centre, in Andover Street, Burngreave, provides facilities and services to the local community and is used as a Muslim congregation for praying, funerals and teaching adult and child classes.

Design Pro submitted the plans to Sheffield Council to partially demolish some of its external walls and create an extension and add a standalone tower.

In a statement, Design Pro said: “Considering the historic lack of youth facilities and the increase of youth crimes in the streets of the area, the management committee – after consulting with representatives from the youth – agreed to accommodate a youth integration project within the centre and dedicate most of the proposed first floor open plan to the youth.

“Within the first floor open plan proposal there will be two offices; one for the youth management and the other for the whole centre management.

"Likewise, open plan proposal at ground floor is for the adults as a prayer hall, in addition to relocation of services (toilets, shower and ablution area, shoe rack), and a new staircase.”

The statement said no parking issues were expected because 95 per cent of residents walk to it and no parking restrictions are in place.

There have been two comments on the planning application by members of the public, one objected and the other’s comments were neutral.

The objector, who lives on the nearby Montfort Drive, said: “As it currently stands, residents struggle to park their vehicles in front of their properties and cannot gain access to the car park due to badly parked vehicles blocking the entrance with no thought or consideration for the residents.

“There is constant noise from traffic at random times, whether it be adults congregating and being noisy or children running around like wild animals screaming, which obviously disrupts the living of surrounding neighbors. And with the said proposal this can only get worse.”

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