Councillors issue pre-action protocol letter over mosque lease

The Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association (MMCA) acquired a 30-year lease of Carnegie Library in Abergavenny in June after setting out proposals to use the Grade II listed building as both a mosque and community centre.

Commenting on the decision at the time, a council press release said the move followed a "comprehensive evaluation process" and marked a significant step towards "enhancing community services and inclusivity within the county".

However, Councillors Louise Brown, Simon Howarth, and Rachel Buckler, along with local resident John Hardwick, argue that the lease violates Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, which requires councils to obtain best value unless specific conditions are met.

The claimants, who are supported by the Christian Legal Centre, contend the MMCA is paying £6,000 per year to rent the space, despite council estimates suggesting the property could command between £20,000 and £25,000 per year.

They have also raised concerns over religious impartiality, restrictive covenants on the property, and the impact on local residents, including increased traffic and noise due to prayer activities scheduled before sunrise and after sunset.

Their legal letter calls on the council to withdraw its lease offer, refrain from entering into any agreement with MMCA, and conduct a new, tender process with "adequate" publicity and timeframes.

The former library was closed in 2014/15 and has been utilised for various services over the years. In late 2024, Monmouthshire's Cabinet declared the asset surplus, giving approval for the building to be marketed for let. 

The council has previously said it identified MMCA as the highest-scoring applicant during the tendering process.

Cllr Rachel Buckler said the residents "are extremely upset they were not consulted and only found out after the lease was awarded". 

Cllr Simon Howarth meanwhile claimed that the "decision never appeared on the forward planner", adding: "That undermines scrutiny and the democratic process. The constitution needs to change so this cannot happen again."

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson confirmed receipt of the pre-action protocol letter, adding that the council will respond in due course. 

Adam Carey