Councillors in Monmouthshire have issued a legal warning to the county council over concerns that it has agreed to a 30-year lease for an historic library to be used as a mosque at around 1 / 4 of market value.
The controversy centres around Carnegie Library in Abergavenny, which is a grade II listed constructing constructed in 1905.
The Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association (MMCA) applied to make use of the constructing as a mosque, nonetheless locals are concerned that the council has awarded the lease for well below its market value and didn’t give sufficient opportunity for other bids to be recommend.
Councillors Louise Brown, Simon Howarth, and Rachel Buckler, and native resident John Hardwick have sent a pre-action letter to the council, warning that they’ll seek a judicial review if the council doesn’t withdraw the lease and start a recent, more transparent tender process.
The motion is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre.
Critics of the lease allege that it was marketed for less then a month throughout the Christmas period, and that MMCA will likely be charged just £6,000 in rent per 12 months, despite internal council estimates suggesting the rent ought to be £20,000-£25,000 per 12 months.
Should the lease proceed, this will likely be the primary mosque in Monmouthshire. Concerns have also been raised that a recent mosque could have a big impact on local infrastructure and parking.
Cllr Rachel Buckler said, “This is a constructing given to all of the people of Abergavenny. Residents are extremely upset they weren’t consulted and only came upon after the lease was awarded. That is just not ok for a constructing of this importance.”
Cllr Simon Howarth added, “This decision never appeared on the forward planner. That undermines scrutiny and the democratic process. The structure needs to alter so this cannot occur again.”
Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said, “This case raises serious questions on transparency, fairness, and the correct use of public assets.
“The people of Abergavenny need to be heard, and their concerns must not be brushed aside.
“We will stand with these councillors as they urge the council to be democratically accountability and to abide by the rule of law.”
A spokesman for Monmouthshire county council said: “Monmouthshire county council confirms that it has received a pre-action protocol letter and can respond sooner or later.
“The Council cannot provide further comment in relation to an ongoing legal matter.”
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