Midnight prayer sessions planned for Muslim centre

The Shahjalal Muslim Society and Islamic Centre has applied for planning permission to allow prayers in the Spencer Street building to take place between midnight and 2am during Ramadan.

They also want to be able to hold a silent prayer session, lasting about 30 minutes, which starts about an hour before sunrise throughout the rest of the year.

The application for the extended hours has been submitted by Mohammad Abdul Majid, an executive member of the society, to Arun District Council for a decision.

A statement joint-signed by Mr Majid says: "During the fasting month of Ramadan, we need to conduct a Ramadan prayer between the hours of midnight and 2am.

"It is the most convenient time for the people of our community to gather and conduct the prayer for this month.

"Our prayer is very silent and, therefore, will not disturb the neighbourhood.

"Furthermore, we do understand that during these hours if any car noises were made it will be inconvenient to the neighbours.

"We will take every step to minimise the sound, by parking away from the centre."

He explains the centre is the only location where the small community of Muslims around Bognor can conduct its prayers. Earlier this year, it was estimated between 70 and 100 worshippers from the 50 to 100 Muslim families in the area attended Friday prayers at the centre.

The centre's opening hours have been strictly limited by conditions imposed since planning permission for the conversion of the former car showroom was granted by Arun in January 1999.

The current conditions were imposed by the district council three years ago when the most recent permission to extend the centre's opening was granted.

These rules state it shall not be open except between the hours of 8am and 11pm on the same day apart from during the month of Ramadan in 2006 when the premises could be opened until 2am.

This measure was imposed by councillors to safeguard the amenities of the building's neighbours.

Three other conditions were also issued by Arun to limit the impact of the centre's operation on surrounding residents.

These stated the building could be used only as a community centre, no public address or other sound amplification system could be installed or used without the council's written consent, and music events and amplified music were banned on the site.

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