RE: 20/00413/FUL

‘‘To convert the first floor of building class D1 to form four seperate accommodation units Class D4. To construct new internal stairway from ground to first floor and use an existing ground floor extension as a further accommodation unit.’’

We, the following members of the Muslim community in Portsmouth, strongly object to the conversion of the mosque - a place to worship in any of its existing “two prayer halls” and any other spaces used for purpose of the mosque to 5 residential self-contained flats.

This property, 73-75 Marmion Road Southsea, was first established as a mosque in Portsmouth about 45 years ago. Each and every member of the Muslim community contributed to purchase these properties solely for the purpose of building a mosque. It is still registered as a place of worship. The proposed conversion eliminates existing facilities of the Mosque making it unusable.

There are huge parking problems in this area which will definitely create added parking problems - with the existing users as well as for our neighbours.

The dismantling of a beautiful piece of religion and culture that has played host to Portsmouth for more than 40 years would be a terrible waste of history and years of fundraising.

Finally, we will support any development of the building for the purpose of using it as a place of worship or Islamic learning but we have a strong objection to converting it into 5 self-contained flats.

As something that holds such significance, we would appreciate your contribution by signing this petition.