A fresh planning application has been submitted to convert a former pub in Gravesend into a mosque—just six months after a similar bid was declined.
The Al-Haqq Academy, a community-focused charity, is once again seeking permission to change the use of The Peacock—located at the intersection of St Andrew’s Road and Peacock Street—into a religious and educational facility.
Their updated application aims to repurpose the ground floor of the closed public house into a mosque (masjid) accommodating up to 65 worshippers, alongside a madrasa for 30 children.
The previous application, submitted in 2023, included plans for a prayer hall, food bank, youth club, and community services. Despite 107 letters of support compared to 23 objections, Gravesham Borough Council refused it in October due to concerns over the loss of a public house and unclear operating hours.
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According to the council, no sufficient evidence had been provided to demonstrate that the pub was no longer economically viable. Furthermore, officials were apprehensive about the potential impact on nearby residents due to unspecified hours of operation.
On April 28, Al-Haqq Academy filed a new proposal which it claims directly addresses the reasons for the original refusal.
What’s New in the Revised Application?
The revised plans clearly define usage hours for both the mosque and the madrasa. The five daily prayers, including Fajr and Isha, would follow seasonal timings—ranging from 4:30am in summer to 7:00am in winter for the earliest prayer, and 10:50pm to 7:30pm for the latest.
The madrasa classes would operate between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on weekdays, and 9:00am to 12:30pm on weekends.
Al-Haqq Academy argues that Islamic tradition encourages walking to places of worship, which would reduce traffic concerns. It also notes that mosques generally operate quietly, unlike pubs which may cause more disruption.
Addressing Economic Concerns
To tackle the economic viability issue, the academy included a viability assessment revealing that the building had been on the market since 2020, with no interest from potential pub operators. The previous owners eventually sold the site to Al-Haqq Academy in early 2024 after years of unsuccessful listings.
The application also highlights that the community would not suffer a shortage of pubs, with nine alternatives located within a 10-minute walking radius, including the Waterloo Tavern and Forrester’s Arms.
“This change does not eliminate a community facility—it replaces it with another,” the planning documents state. “The mosque would function as a hub of social infrastructure for the local Muslim population.”
A Growing Need for Prayer Space
According to the 2021 census, over 3,300 Muslims reside in Gravesham, yet only two mosques—Gravesend Central Mosque and Shah Jalal Mosque—serve the community. Both are reportedly over capacity, leading to overcrowding and traffic concerns.
Al-Haqq Academy emphasizes the pressing need for an additional place of worship and religious education. “This development would meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the area while minimizing the necessity for travel to distant mosques,” the statement explained.
As of now, the new proposal has received four letters of support and no objections. A decision from the council is anticipated by June 23.
Upper Floors to Become HMO
Separately, Al-Haqq Academy previously gained approval to convert the upper floors of The Peacock into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The former four-bedroom flat will be turned into a five-bedroom shared home with two bathrooms and a kitchen.
This residential proposal was passed last September, receiving strong support from local residents during the planning committee meeting.
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About Al-Haqq Academy:
Based in Queen Street, Al-Haqq Academy offers services for the wider community, including a food bank, counselling, youth support, and spiritual programs.