This is a planning application to be decided by councillors at the Cheadle Area Committee next Tuesday. I “called it up” for councillors to consider. Here’s what the application says (there’s more information in the paperwork):

DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT

Proposal relates to a retrospective change of use from a shop with first floor flat to a
social, educational and welfare centre. The premises are intended as a meeting
rooms for the local Muslim community where they will discuss and develop cultural
issues and Islamic beliefs. The applicant has indicated that their aims and objectives
are to use the centre for:

i. Teaching of welfare/cultural needs to children and adults.

ii. Islamic teaching of the Quran (Koran) to children and adults. The applicant has
indicated that until planning permission is granted, they will not introduced the
children’s teaching element.

iii. Prayer. The applicant has emphasised that the unit should not be confused with a
Mosque which has more intensive prayer times. He has indicated that the nearest
mosque is in Heald Green.

* Hours of use are 7.30am to 9.00pm for adults.(REFER NOTE). These are the
earliest and latest times as people will visit at any time for periods varying from 30
minutes to 1 hour and are intended to be flexible to meet individual needs. Children
will have access during the following times:
4.00pm to 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturdays, Sundays
and Bank Holidays.

NOTE: The applicant originally applied for 7.00am opening but has agreed to
7.30am following comments of Environmental Health

* Two part time people will be employed and they will be involved with teaching
children.

* In terms of visitor numbers, the applicant has indicated that there is an open
session for adults when people can come and go as and when they please. As such
the number may be little as one. The most he has ever seen in the unit any one time
is 12. Normally, there are no more than 18-20 spread out throughout the day
although some maybe the same people making a return visits. In terms of children
he expects there to be a minimum of 4-5 and a possible maximum of 10 -12

*. The use commenced in August 2009

The layout indicates the ground floor to consist of a meeting room with
washing/showering and toilet facilities with 3 smaller meeting rooms and a kitchen on
the first floor. The total floorspace of the meeting rooms is approximately 78 sq
metres.

In terms of parking, the applicants have access to two garages at the rear but have
indicated that these will be demolished and the land used as parking space. Other
than that, any visitors arriving by car will have to park on-street or in the service
layby fronting the unit.