Sikhs lose fight to keep their temple in Cherwell Drive

5:25pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in News By Emily Allen

Sikhs lose fight to keep their temple in Cherwell Drive Sikhs lose fight to keep their temple in Cherwell Drive

OXFORD’S Sikh community must find a new place to worship after a planning inspector ruled they cannot use a Marston house as a temple.

In January last year, Oxford City Council refused an application for retrospective planning permission to change the use of 69 Cherwell Drive from a place of residence to a place of worship, following objections from neighbours.

The Sikh community’s appeal to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate was dismissed this week.

Now they have a year to stop using the semi-detached three bedroom home as a makeshift temple, and they must also demolish a single storey extension to the rear of the property, which is used as a congregation room, before the end of October.

They did not have planning consent for either.

Pargan Singh, 53, of Cherwell Drive, Marston, said the nearest Sikh temples were in Banbury, Swindon and Slough.

He said: “It’s a sad day for the Sikh community in Oxford.

“There should be some flexibility, the council should assist us in finding an alternative, we only want small help. We are not asking for a million-pound building.

“The effect on the whole community will be devastating.”

More than 100 people have joined a Facebook group to campaign against the decision, and Oxford University’s Sikh Society collected a 400-signature petition to save it.

Society president Priya Atwal, 19, said she was very disappointed by the decision.

She said: “Oxford’s homeless could be affected as free meals are offered by the temple.”

The Sikhs bought the property in February 2006 and added the extension four months later.

Last night, residents of the road welcomed the decision.

A 60-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, said: “I don’t object to them having a Sikh temple, but I do object to it being in a residential area. When they show up things get overcrowded.”

Another 68-year-old neighbour said: “On Sunday, cars are parked on the verges on both sides of the road. There is a health and safety problem with ambulance and fire engines going to the JR and Headington.

“We can’t sit in our garden in the summer because of the chanting.”

In his report, planning inspector Nigel Burrows said he had listened to the “impassioned pleas” in support of the temple, but cited traffic, road safety, noise and disturbance to residents among his concerns.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “They have to stop using the building as a Sikh temple and community centre and they have 12 months from the date of the decision letter to do that.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk

Comments (16)

11:12pm Wed 10 Mar 10

poppy721 says...

This realy is a surprise that they have been turned down as the council allow every thing to be built in East Oxford. People are putting up extensions and turning houses into 2 and 3 bedroom flats and putting big "sheds" in the back gardens and huge side extensions without any one being informed and the council turn a blind eye to it all. So why block anything ?????????????
This realy is a surprise that they have been turned down as the council allow every thing to be built in East Oxford. People are putting up extensions and turning houses into 2 and 3 bedroom flats and putting big "sheds" in the back gardens and huge side extensions without any one being informed and the council turn a blind eye to it all. So why block anything ????????????? poppy721

7:58am Thu 11 Mar 10

Sid Hunt says...

Poppy, Marston isn't any different from East Oxford - many houses are now multi occupation or converted to flats and there are quite a few of these so-called 'garden buildings' being erected then used for residential purposes.

In the case of the Sikh temple, the works carried out did not have planning permission and are substandard. There is also a change of use required (again subject to planning permission) to alter from a residential dwelling to place of worship. This 'temple' is open 24 hours so creates a continual nuisance by way of people nosie and vehicular activity.

The statement “The effect on the whole community will be devastating.” made by Pargan Singh is nonsense - much of the local community will be relieved by the decision and they have a year to find an alternative which, to me, seems very generous.
Poppy, Marston isn't any different from East Oxford - many houses are now multi occupation or converted to flats and there are quite a few of these so-called 'garden buildings' being erected then used for residential purposes. In the case of the Sikh temple, the works carried out did not have planning permission and are substandard. There is also a change of use required (again subject to planning permission) to alter from a residential dwelling to place of worship. This 'temple' is open 24 hours so creates a continual nuisance by way of people nosie and vehicular activity. The statement “The effect on the whole community will be devastating.” made by Pargan Singh is nonsense - much of the local community will be relieved by the decision and they have a year to find an alternative which, to me, seems very generous. Sid Hunt

8:46am Thu 11 Mar 10

Joe Cooke says...

I agree thehouse in Cherwell drive is probably not the best place but they do need somewhere like the Hindus do too. The Muslims seem to have 3 or 4 places so why can't the sikhs and Hindus have just one?
I agree thehouse in Cherwell drive is probably not the best place but they do need somewhere like the Hindus do too. The Muslims seem to have 3 or 4 places so why can't the sikhs and Hindus have just one? Joe Cooke

11:27am Thu 11 Mar 10

Tom Daily says...

I think this is the right outcome. It was simply the wrong site for it.

Just ask the residents of Bath Street in St. Clements how they feel now that the mosque has moved to Manzil way.

Joe lets remember it's irrelevant that the muslims have 3 mosques in Oxford, they raised the funds for them! Just like its irrelevant that the Christians have a church on almost every other street.

All Oxford citizens of all faiths are free to raise funds and buy/build there own place of worship in an appropriate location.
I think this is the right outcome. It was simply the wrong site for it. Just ask the residents of Bath Street in St. Clements how they feel now that the mosque has moved to Manzil way. Joe lets remember it's irrelevant that the muslims have 3 mosques in Oxford, they raised the funds for them! Just like its irrelevant that the Christians have a church on almost every other street. All Oxford citizens of all faiths are free to raise funds and buy/build there own place of worship in an appropriate location. Tom Daily

11:46am Thu 11 Mar 10

Joe Cooke says...

A church on almost every other street? really? Don't you think your exaggerating, just abit?
A church on almost every other street? really? Don't you think your exaggerating, just abit? Joe Cooke

11:47am Thu 11 Mar 10

mirpuri says...

It's true Muslims raised their own funds for thier mosques in East Oxford. However, it's appropriate to remind your reader that they had huge supports from local councillors mainly the labour lot including the MP in getting permission for place of worship! As you all know the Manzil Way's mosque land was purchased from the City Council!!! Therefore, the Council must provide land to other smaller groups like Hindus and Sikhs. I think the old bus depot in Cowley Road shoul be given to Shiks and Hindus.
It's true Muslims raised their own funds for thier mosques in East Oxford. However, it's appropriate to remind your reader that they had huge supports from local councillors mainly the labour lot including the MP in getting permission for place of worship! As you all know the Manzil Way's mosque land was purchased from the City Council!!! Therefore, the Council must provide land to other smaller groups like Hindus and Sikhs. I think the old bus depot in Cowley Road shoul be given to Shiks and Hindus. mirpuri

12:34pm Thu 11 Mar 10

Andrew:Oxford says...

There is another story on here about the closure of the "H" cafe on the A4074. Personally I think it should be demolished and a supermarket built... But there is stacks of parking, an express bus service to Oxford & Reading stops outside so could it be converted into a Temple? Either that or I think the MFI building (behind Halfords) on the Botley Road is still vacant and also has loads of parking available.
There is another story on here about the closure of the "H" cafe on the A4074. Personally I think it should be demolished and a supermarket built... But there is stacks of parking, an express bus service to Oxford & Reading stops outside so could it be converted into a Temple? Either that or I think the MFI building (behind Halfords) on the Botley Road is still vacant and also has loads of parking available. Andrew:Oxford

5:29pm Thu 11 Mar 10

Sid Hunt says...

mirpuri - the City Council is not under any obligation to supply land or donate property. If land was purchased in Manzil Way then it must have been available to purchase - if the old bus depot is for sale then make a monetary bid as would anyone else.

I wish you luck with your search but the onus is with the Sikhs to provide their own place to worship.
mirpuri - the City Council is not under any obligation to supply land or donate property. If land was purchased in Manzil Way then it must have been available to purchase - if the old bus depot is for sale then make a monetary bid as would anyone else. I wish you luck with your search but the onus is with the Sikhs to provide their own place to worship. Sid Hunt

7:53pm Thu 11 Mar 10

Tom Daily says...

I'm affraid Sid is right, th epoint is'nt who the muslims bought there land of, the point is they BOUGHT it!

The IQRA school was in a same sort of fight as the Sikh community and they are busy fighting away to try and survive.

Which ever faith or school of thought a particular group may be part of, it's down to them as a group to come together and create a place for themselves.
I'm affraid Sid is right, th epoint is'nt who the muslims bought there land of, the point is they BOUGHT it! The IQRA school was in a same sort of fight as the Sikh community and they are busy fighting away to try and survive. Which ever faith or school of thought a particular group may be part of, it's down to them as a group to come together and create a place for themselves. Tom Daily

10:16am Fri 12 Mar 10

bigsis17bicester says...

Why, if they built onto the house, without planning permission, do they have one year to pull it down, it should be taken down straight away. Why do they feel they have the right to go ahead with such things when they surely are aware that we have regulations.
Why, if they built onto the house, without planning permission, do they have one year to pull it down, it should be taken down straight away. Why do they feel they have the right to go ahead with such things when they surely are aware that we have regulations. bigsis17bicester

11:01am Fri 12 Mar 10

Joe Cooke says...

Someone told me that the Muslims got their land for the mosque on Cowley road at a reduced price,I'm not sure if this is true, does anybody know?
Someone told me that the Muslims got their land for the mosque on Cowley road at a reduced price,I'm not sure if this is true, does anybody know? Joe Cooke

6:29pm Fri 12 Mar 10

Tom Daily says...

Joe, I think the muslims got there land cheap compared to today's prices, but I am certain that it was purchased over 20 years ago.
So I suppose today the price would seem quite cheap.
What I would hope is that wherever the Sikh community ends up, that they select a site which can accomodate future growth in members and traffic.
Joe, I think the muslims got there land cheap compared to today's prices, but I am certain that it was purchased over 20 years ago. So I suppose today the price would seem quite cheap. What I would hope is that wherever the Sikh community ends up, that they select a site which can accomodate future growth in members and traffic. Tom Daily

1:15am Sat 13 Mar 10

mirpuri says...

Joe Cooke wrote:
Someone told me that the Muslims got their land for the mosque on Cowley road at a reduced price,I'm not sure if this is true, does anybody know?
It's common knowlege within the Muslim community. Just ask vetran labour councillors about this! Recently someone informed me that a local councillor helping a group to aquire the old bus depot free of charge for building a community centre!!
[quote][p][bold]Joe Cooke[/bold] wrote: Someone told me that the Muslims got their land for the mosque on Cowley road at a reduced price,I'm not sure if this is true, does anybody know?[/p][/quote]It's common knowlege within the Muslim community. Just ask vetran labour councillors about this! Recently someone informed me that a local councillor helping a group to aquire the old bus depot free of charge for building a community centre!! mirpuri

4:08pm Sat 13 Mar 10

Tom Daily says...

You seem to know alot Mirpuri, lets have some proof ?

Who owns the old bus depot?, who is planning to buy it? where are funds coming from? if council coffers show some hard evidence as to how the money will be allocated!

The last area comittee meeting I went to, there was a 3/4 of an hour debate on whether the council could afford to buy the local allotment association a couple of hundred quid lawnmower! So where this alleged funds of in excess of a £million would come from will be interesting.

Put up or ..................
You seem to know alot Mirpuri, lets have some proof ? Who owns the old bus depot?, who is planning to buy it? where are funds coming from? if council coffers show some hard evidence as to how the money will be allocated! The last area comittee meeting I went to, there was a 3/4 of an hour debate on whether the council could afford to buy the local allotment association a couple of hundred quid lawnmower! So where this alleged funds of in excess of a £million would come from will be interesting. Put up or .................. Tom Daily

5:06pm Sat 13 Mar 10

mirpuri says...

Tom Daily wrote:
You seem to know alot Mirpuri, lets have some proof ?

Who owns the old bus depot?, who is planning to buy it? where are funds coming from? if council coffers show some hard evidence as to how the money will be allocated!

The last area comittee meeting I went to, there was a 3/4 of an hour debate on whether the council could afford to buy the local allotment association a couple of hundred quid lawnmower! So where this alleged funds of in excess of a £million would come from will be interesting.

Put up or ..................
Read the STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE meeting's minutes (25/11/2009) and ask local councillors. We're talking about 2,322 sq m of space which was initially allocated in 2000 for start up businesses in east Oxford!
[quote][p][bold]Tom Daily[/bold] wrote: You seem to know alot Mirpuri, lets have some proof ? Who owns the old bus depot?, who is planning to buy it? where are funds coming from? if council coffers show some hard evidence as to how the money will be allocated! The last area comittee meeting I went to, there was a 3/4 of an hour debate on whether the council could afford to buy the local allotment association a couple of hundred quid lawnmower! So where this alleged funds of in excess of a £million would come from will be interesting. Put up or ..................[/p][/quote]Read the STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE meeting's minutes (25/11/2009) and ask local councillors. We're talking about 2,322 sq m of space which was initially allocated in 2000 for start up businesses in east Oxford! mirpuri

7:16pm Mon 15 Mar 10

poppy721 says...

Would love to get rid of all the people in Oxford city council planning department, they are a rule onto themselves..........
..
Would love to get rid of all the people in Oxford city council planning department, they are a rule onto themselves.......... .. poppy721

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