Plans to turn a neighbourhood prayer room into a restaurant 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.
