Plans to convert a street corner pub into a community centre and place of worship have been refused despite receiving more than 100 letters of support.

Charity Al-Haqq Academy sought to change the use of The Peacock, on the junction of St Andrew’s Road and Peacock Street, in Gravesend, after it shut on New Year’s Day.

The organisation is based in nearby Queen Street, however, it said its premises are “struggling to accommodate” the borough’s growing Muslim community.

Therefore, it applied for permission to transform the ground floor and basement of the public house into an academy with community and religious services.

The submitted design and access statement said: “It is a natural step forward in the academy’s commitment to community welfare.

“It will serve as a symbol of unity and diversity in the neighbourhood, fostering understanding and cooperation among different faiths.

“This approach not only honours the building heritage but also fosters a sense of belonging for the community.”

The applicant Mr Muhammad Hasan, from the Al-Haqq Academy, wanted to create a prayer hall, an area for a food bank, counselling services, a youth club and a mosque, also known as a masjid.

He said the site would be open between 9am and 7pm and sometimes open for half an hour periods outside of those times for prayer.

However, despite receiving 107 letters of support to 23 objections, Gravesham council planning officers rejected the application on Tuesday, October 22.

In their report, they said the scheme would see the loss of a public house which would be “unfavourable”, however, they did acknowledge replacing it with a place of worship would have benefits to the community.

The pub, which dates back to the 19th century, closed on New Year’s Day after the building was sold but officers said “no evidence or marketing” has been submitted to show it is “no longer economically viable”.

They also raised concerns over the opening hours stating they lacked clarity and could not safeguard the impact on neighbours.

Last month, a separate application from Al-Haqq Academy was approved to convert the first and second floors of the former boozer into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

It will see the existing four-bedroom flat converted into a five-bedroom home with two bathrooms and a kitchen.

The plans were approved by councillors at a planning meeting after also receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from neighbours.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Al-Haqq Academy is a charity which offers services such as a food bank, counselling, prayer sessions, and a youth club for everyone.