Religious building in North Watford rejected by council

The retrospective planning application submitted by the Kingswood estate-based Imam Hussein Foundation was rejected by Watford Borough Council at a meeting this week.

Some councillors on the planning committee felt the design of the canopy, which has been built between the main worship hall and a house, was "poor" and did not fit in with its surroundings.

The site in North Approach was formerly Kingswood Baptist Church before being taken over by the Imam Hussein Foundation.

The canopy, which is said to provide a "sheltered but open" entrance for worshippers, was built without planning permission from the council. It has a sheet metal flat roof and a timber front entrance and doors.

The application subsequently came before the planning committee after seven objections were lodged by neighbours - including but not limited to concerns about noise, impact on character and appearance of the area, overdevelopment, parking, and loss of light.

The retrospective application had been recommended for approval by a council planning officer as long as the timber would be stained an appropriate colour.

The site pictured in 2020 before the canopy was constructed. Credit: Google Street View

However, at the meeting on December 7, Liberal Democrat councillors had concerns and a motion to refuse the application on grounds of "poor design quality" and "harm" to the character of the area was carried. Labour members voted against the motion.

The foundation can appeal the council's decision. The council also has powers to take enforcement action if necessary to demolish the canopy.

As well as providing a place of worship, the Imam Hussein Foundation centre provides a range of community support facilities including in education.

Its website suggests youth and women are at the forefront of those the charity aims to support with counselling services offered along with support dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour, drugs, extremism and gang culture.