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Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 6 September 2007

Library site would suit a mosque

• YOUR article (Library site in hands of Town Hall, August 23) suggests the future of the site at the rear of the British Library depends upon decisions that will be made by Camden.
Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the case if the land is sold to the highest bidder. All our experience of the last few years has shown that the council has very limited ability to reject or even significantly influence major developments. Changes in planning law means the developer is king.
Some have put the case for use of much of the land for social housing. Given the circumstances, the arguments in favour are very strong, but another possibility deserves consideration.
This is one of the most important undeveloped sites in central London. It adjoins the British Library, and the iconic St Pancras Station, about to open after massive extensions, as the London terminus for Eurostar.
Any development should be of the highest architectural standard and make a major contribution to London as a whole.
Serious consideration should be given to use of a major part of the site for the construction of a purpose-built mosque and Islamic cultural centre. No doubt such a development would also serve the millions who pass through St Pancras and King’s Cross stations,particularly during the 2012 Olympics.
At present, most Islamic worship in Camden has to take place in converted shops and other premises, which are much too small. In some cases worshippers have to stand in the street at busy times. Strenuous efforts have been made to make these premises fit for purpose, but the buildings are just not suitable.
Camden’s Muslim community deserves to have a place of worship of which they and the rest of us can be proud, the equivalent of the many fine churches in the borough. I have heard from different sources that money can be found for much of the cost. So far, the main problem has been lack of a suitable site.
Use of the library site would solve this problem.
JOHN LEFLEY
Regents Park Road, NW1

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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