Statement from Leader of Havering Council

"It is disappointing to note the misinformation that is circulating on some issues, the latest being the inaccurate rumours seen online this week regarding the Havering Islamic Community Centre plans to relocate in Romford and expand their services to include a place of prayer (a mosque)."

"Following the recent events taking place across our country, I think it is extremely important to set the record straight so there can be no misunderstanding."

• "The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC) are in advanced talks with Bridge Close Regeneration LLP (BCR LLP), the Council’s development vehicle, to purchase their current site on Waterloo Road, to make way for the regeneration of that site to include a new primary school, health services, community and business space and new affordable homes for local people.
• "Originally, we had hoped that the centre could be included as part of the existing plans."
• "The HICC, in turn, is seeking an alternative site in Romford as they wish to expand their services to open a mosque. This requires them to raise additional money from the community, in addition to the settlement from the compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the existing site."
• "The negotiations the Council is having with the HICC is governed by CPO legislation and guidance.  Essentially this means the Council must, by law, offer the HICC owners a fair market price for their land and pay for equivalent like for like reinstatement elsewhere. Plus, reasonable compensation for the loss of the land."
• "Any shortfall in the cost of like for like and accommodating the HICC expansion plans must be paid for by the HICC, not by the Council."
• "Negotiations with the current owner at 222-226 South Street are ongoing."
• "Any request from the HICC regarding the planning permission will follow the existing planning process and the planning authority continue to advise them on their scheme proposals."
• "The CPO legislation and guidance must be followed carefully for all landowners or other property interests, for example leaseholders."
• "The CPO process has been properly applied to all parties who were landowners or hold leases on the Bridge Close site, including individual homeowners, private sector landlords and private businesses."
• "We are in similar talks with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) with regards to their site as they and HICC are described in law as community interests.  The LAS also have expansion plans in order to better serve the residents of the borough in which they operate and BCR LLP are working to find alternative local arrangements to provide an enhanced ambulance station and associated facilities."
• "The financial requirements of the CPO legislation and guidance is being applied equally to the LAS and HICC."
• "The Bridge Close LLC regeneration scheme is mostly funded through the Housing Revenue Account, which is ring-fenced for the provision of housing, with some further General Fund budget to support the proposed delivery of the health and school provision for the scheme."

"Our rich heritage and culture are the foundation of our community as is our unwavering commitment to the safety of every Havering resident."

"We have no room for false information that creates division and works against good community cohesion."