Plans to turn a neighbourhood restaurant into a prayer room have been pushed back. 

An application was lodged earlier this year for Lagan Restaurant in Ladybridge to be turned into the religious centre. 

Residents raised concerns over the loss of their neighbourhood eatery, as well as added strains on parking in the area and concerns over noise. 

The developer, however, says that it will be a provision for the whole community. 

The application was discussed at a council planning meeting on Thursday, June 13, following a recommendation for approval by planners. 

Speaking against, resident Bill Bradbury said: "I (have been) a Ladybridge resident for 39 years, representing the vast majority of Ladybridge residents, who are against this application. 

"Planning noted that 385 letters of public representation had been received, with 320 objecting and 65 supporting the proposals. 

"I respectfully suggest that the 320 residents are best placed to judge whether the development would 'not result in significant harm', as planning claims. 

"The developers bought the heart of our community, the prayer room would radically and irrevocably change the character of an estate where people with a range of faiths and races have lived together happily for many decades." 

Asif Patel, the applicant, said: "It is a proposal that holds significant value for our diverse and growing community. I have lived in Ladybridge for 35 years with my family, and live 200 metres away from the site. 

"Our town prides itself on its inclusivity and its vibrant cultural tapestry. It is home to people from various backgrounds, faiths and traditions, and it is this diversity that enriches our collective experience." 

He added: "Beyond the primary function of facilitating prayers, the application will provide essential services, such as language classes, youth programs, support for the elderly and initiatives to aid those in need." 

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Cllr Mohammed Ayub asked how many people they expect to attend at 4-4.30am. Mr Patel said calculated estimates suggested "less than 10". 

Cllr Martin Tighe asked whether it is a multi-faith prayer room. 

Mr Patel said the prayer room is "predominantly for Muslims", but that the community room and classrooms would be for "the whole community". 

Cllr Roger Hayes asked about the PA system. The applicant said it would be "internal, not external", and would adhere to decibel requirements. 

Cllr Hayes also asked about any potential plans to encourage walking. 

Mr Patel referred to the requirement to "constantly monitor" how many people are using cars, and said about putting "things in place" to promote walking to the centre. 

He added: "It is part of our religion that we should be walking, every step we take, you get rewarded for it and your status is elevated." 

He added that, because Ladybridge Primary School uses the car parks at school pick-up and drop-off time, there will be no prayers scheduled during those times. 

Ward councillor Anne Galloway said: "The main car park for the centre is the only car park available for Ladybridge Primary, and already it is packed at picking-up time, and there are also cars parked on all the surrounding roads. 

"I don't believe avoiding just a 30-minute slot at 3pm will be enough to mitigate this issue, because people arrive early or don't leave immediately. 

"And it is not just the parking, but the sheer congestion of cars and school buses getting on and off the estate during this whole period, and all the safety issues that this raises for the schoolchildren on the estate at this time. 

"I know that the plans are predicated on people walking, as it's local, but reality does suggest that people drive." 

She also referred to noise issues with a 4.15am opening time, especially in the summer when people have their windows open. 

She moved to refuse the application, although recognised that "many residents" on the estate would welcome the centre. 

Cllr Emily Mort moved to approve the application, citing the lack of objection from the Highways department and its compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework. 

Cllr Robert Morrissey, vice-chair of the committee, seconded her motion, saying: "Generally, it's about building a community facility, yes for one community specifically in terms of worship, but wider than that, for the whole community there will be an amenity. 

"I grew up Catholic, but I used Methodist and other Protestant areas to be able to go to community gatherings, and I don't see that as any different as to what's being offered here." 

Cllr Martin Tighe seconded Cllr Galloway's motion to reject. 

Chair, Cllr John Walsh, said: "The suggestion that school pick-up time is 3-3.30pm, that 30 minutes is a sufficient period for parents to pick up, collect and depart, quite frankly is non-sustainable, because parking around schools exists for a lot longer." 

He moved to defer the decision for clarification on the points of traffic and noise. The chamber voted to defer.