The approved development at 58 Hill Street will add new single-storey side and rear extensions to the existing mosque, alongside improvements to the building's appearance, new landscaping and retrospective permission for an extended car park.
Planning officers recommended approval subject to conditions. The mosque occupies a prominent corner site at Hill Street, Witch Road and Balmoral Road, close to the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Hub and Kilmarnock College.
Building in 'visibly poor condition'
A report prepared for councillors states that the building is currently in a "visibly poor condition" and requires upgrading. The plans include raising the building's height by around two metres, creating a new parapet feature and installing modern external finishes including white render and champagne gold-coloured metal detailing.
Landscaping improvements are also proposed around the site boundaries, while the application sought retrospective consent for an extension to the existing car park and associated works already carried out. Planning officers concluded the development would improve the appearance of the site without causing an unacceptable impact on neighbouring properties.
HALO safeguarded land
The report notes that the nearest homes are around 30 metres from the mosque and that the surrounding area contains a mix of residential, educational and commercial uses. No objections or letters of support were submitted during the consultation period.
Although part of the extended car park lies within land safeguarded for future HALO Ayrshire Growth Deal development, officers concluded the proposal would not impact those long-term ambitions. Additional information, including amended plans, further landscaping details and a revised description of the proposal, was submitted during the application process. Permission has been granted subject to planning conditions.
