Watson Farley & Williams successfully advised the Waqf Trust on the planning strategy for Brick Veil Mosque, overcoming significant hurdles.
- The Secretary of State approved the mosque project after a public inquiry emphasised planning design standards and national policy interests.
- An international architectural competition resulted in a unique design for the mosque, though it faced both support and significant local opposition.
- A judicial review was sought against the ‘call-in’ decision of the planning permission; although unsuccessful, it provided critical documentation.
- The Secretary of State’s approval highlighted the mosque’s design and public benefits, despite complicated issues and local objections.
The Brick Veil Mosque, a prospective landmark in Preston, Lancashire, navigated complex planning processes with the guidance of Watson Farley & Williams and Christiaan Zwart of 39 Essex Chambers. Following a six-day public inquiry, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities granted planning permission due to considerations of national policy interests. Important factors included how the mosque’s design conformed to planning standards and the development of brownfield land.
The mosque’s unique architectural plan emerged from an international competition by the Royal Institute of British Architects, boasting a three-storey elliptical brick drum structure with a 30m-high minaret. Despite receiving 625 letters of support, the project also faced 425 objections, prompting a local MP to request a ‘call-in’ for a decision by the Secretary of State. This move raised questions about the genuine motives behind this political intervention.
Subsequent to the call-in request, WFW on behalf of the Trust pursued a judicial review. Although this legal attempt did not succeed, it did uncover essential documents through disclosure. The local MP who initiated the call-in later resigned, hinting at potential internal and political pressures in his resignation statement.
The public inquiry in August 2022 delved into concerns related to site classification, neighbourhood planning, and the impact on local heritage sites, including a listed church. Issues of traffic congestion, car parking, and environmental considerations like drainage and landscaping were meticulously examined. Despite these challenges, the planning inspector advocated for the mosque as a ‘brilliant place’ conducive to worship.
The Secretary of State endorsed the inspector’s findings, emphasising the mosque’s high-quality design and the integration of energy-efficient and renewable energy measures. The anticipated economic benefits further strengthened the approval decision. The project was efficiently managed by WFW’s Nick Walker and his team, supported by Christiaan Zwart during the inquiry, underscoring the collaborative effort to achieve this planning success.
The Brick Veil Mosque stands as a testament to strategic planning and perseverance, epitomising modern architectural innovation and social cohesion.
