A TIDE of local residents' opposition has greeted an application to formally change the designation of Stanford-le-Hope's former methodist Church to a mosque.

Despite the considerable opposition, which highlights existing and future problems with traffic and parking, Thurrock Council's highways team says it has no objection to the plan or concerns about parking.

Council officers say they do not anticipate any traffic problems on the High Street related to the mosque

The application for the site on the High Street in Stanford-le-Hope also includes restoration and other work within the building, which has been in almost constant use as a place of worship since it was built in 1869.

The church and adjoining hall were sold by the incumbent national Methodist Church in 2023 after it was decided they could not afford the work needed to keep the building open.

The building was bought by a newly formed Stanford Education and Cultural Association which described itself as a non-profit making, charitable, democratic, neutral and non-political organisation.

Since taking over, considerable work has taken place within the hall to the rear of the old church building and that has been used for worship, education and cultural events.

On taking over the site, at a cost reported to be £750,000 the Stanford Education and Cultural Association launched an appeal for funds to make a complete restoration of the whole site, including the historic building. The appeal total currently stands at £750,000.

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In its application to the council, the mosque operators seek permission for change of use from church (Class F1) to mosque (Class F1), including loft conversion, infill of mezzanine to create additional floor space, first-floor side extension, basement conversion for ancillary funeral services, installation of eight rooflights, rear external staircase, and associated internal and external alterations.

The application has been greeted with opposition on the council's planning portal with 26 objections, almost all citing significant parking and traffic problems – many of which are already being experienced in the already congested town centre.

Many writers say the problem is exacerbated around Friday prayers.

The methodist Church has served Stanford-le-Hope for more than 150 years

One of the most strenuous objectors is Mrs Tammi Cooper, owner of the adjacent Laurens D'Auray salon.

In a detailed appraisal of the problems she says: "As a local business owner, I wish to formally object in the strongest possible terms to the above planning application.

"My objections are based on clear planning grounds relating to parking, traffic congestion, highway safety, noise disturbance, overdevelopment of the site, impact on neighbouring businesses and residential amenity.

"This application is of a wholly unsuitable nature of the location for the scale and intensity of the proposed use. The scale and intensity of the development would have a serious detrimental impact on neighbouring residents and shops.

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"There is no evidence that the surrounding infrastructure can support the intensified use proposed."

Despite the huge wave of opposition and reference to parking problems, Thurrock Council's Highways team say they have no objects.

A statement from them says: "It is noted that there is no change to the existing car parking arrangements, therefore we have no objection to this proposal."

The application is due to be determined by Thursday, 18 June.