Planning application for mosque at Piccadilly Circus withdrawn

I was certain that I posted about this application earlier this spring to make part of the Trocadero building at London’s Piccadilly Circus into a mosque. But on searching for the post it seems I didn’t. I must have forgotten.

Anyway, the good news this evening is that the application has been withdrawn. 

Had I been less preoccupied in May this, or something like it, is what I would have posted from the London Evening Standard

A mosque for up to 1,000 worshipers could be built inside the Trocadero building at Piccadilly Circus.

Developers have submitted plans to Westminster council to convert parts of the West End landmark that would also include a community centre.

The Aziz Foundation, an education charity for British Muslims, has proposed transforming the former basement cinema that has been derelict since 2006 and parts of the ground floor in Rupert Street for use for praying and events.

The foundation is owned by Asif Aziz, who set up property giant Criterion Capital and in 2005 bought the London Trocadero and Piccadilly Hotel for £225 million.

A spokesman said surveys had revealed a “significant shortfall in the amount of prayer space for Muslims living and working in the West End” with only three in the area.

The application has received more than 250 comments on the council website. Some have objected to potential increased traffic, with others claiming that a place of worship is not in keeping with an area famous for its bars, clubs, casinos and nightlife.

The site, as you can imagine is a very valuable one; a further and better prepared application may well be resubmitted.