Plans to knock down a former police station and replace it with a mosque have been approved, despite opposition from some local residents.
The Old Police Station in St Mellons has been home to the East Cardiff Muslim Centre since 2019, with an application to demolish it and replace it with a permanent purpose-built centre submitted last year.
This application has now been given the go-ahead by Cardiff Council, with demolition work due to begin later this year.
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The new centre on Crickhowell Road will be larger than the current police station building and will provide dedicated areas for daily worship for men and women.
The space will also be used for other community and non-faith-based activities, such as classes, according to the application submitted by East Cardiff Educational Trust.
The ECET has worked closely with a number of non-faith-based organisations, including collaborations with local Police forces, Welsh Government entities and Members of the Senedd, with the Muslim Centre also occupying another premises in St Mellons since 2017.
Land in front of the modern, eco-friendly building is set to be used as a green area "with enhanced planting and a rain garden", while six car parking spaces and 15 cycle parking spaces are also included in the development.
More than 60 residents consulted on the plans responded in favour of them on the planning application and said that the development would enhance the community, promote diversity and inclusion and provide a suitable use for the site.
In support of the new centre, Robyn Grainger wrote: "Personally, I think this is a good idea. I am not religious but do believe that somewhere where people can congregate to celebrate their beliefs is fantastic - regardless of religion.
"As long as it's not hurting anyone I see no problem. It will be lovely for our local Muslims to practice in an environment where they can be together.
Chloe Stephenson said the mosque would be "a great addition," writing: "I think it's a great idea and clearly needed. I'm sure it'll be massively beneficial to the community."
Local resident Mohammed Ali said that a place of worship "is a must" for the area and "would help people who feel isolated and suffer from mental health," while Laura Rich added: "All individuals regardless of religious background bring value to our community, and there are few spaces outside of the city central region where people of similar religion and belief can congregate."
However, a local campaign opposing to the plans led to around 50 people raising concerns about the development, and the knock on-effect it could have on traffic in St Mellons, which is already an issue in the area.
One objection from Rasha Ibrahim read: "The area is already very busy and congested along with Tesco, nearby schools, doctors surgery. This will be made even more congested especially during Ramadan, as late night prayers will be going ahead, and Friday prayers."
Philip Jackson, who moved to St Mellons nearly 40 years ago, added that the development would likely lead to "large crowds" as well as "considerable noise and severe disturbance at many hours of the day".
Work on the new centre is set to begin later this year.
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