Appeal Filed After Rejection of Plan to Convert Club into Prayer Facility

An appeal has been lodged following the rejection of a proposal to convert the former Scanlon’s Club on Spring Road, Tyseley, into a prayer facility.

The plan was denied last November amid concerns that the development would lead to increased traffic during peak times, particularly during Friday prayers. Officials highlighted worries that heightened use of the access drive and rear parking area could compromise highway safety in the surrounding neighborhood.

The applicant maintains that the project would not pose any threat to road safety, a position supported by council officers. They argue that the majority of worshippers would reside or work locally and that parking provisions are sufficient.

According to the appeal documentation, the facility expects daily prayers to draw between 15 to 20 attendees per session, all of whom can be accommodated with on-site parking. On Fridays, during the Jummah prayer, attendance is anticipated to reach up to 100 people.

The site includes 22 off-street parking spaces at the rear and an additional four off-street spaces at the front designated for staff, totaling 26 parking spots.

Opponents, including the Tyseley and Hay Mills Liberal Democrat group, voiced strong reservations about the potential traffic impact. They are particularly concerned about increased congestion on Spring Road and the knock-on effects for residents and nearby groups such as the local 260th Scouts, located behind Scanlon’s Club.

The group pointed out that the area already experiences heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times at the nearby girls’ grammar school, especially around the Spring Road, Shaftmoor Lane, Olton Boulevard East, and Summer Road junction.

Residents and interested parties have until February 16 to submit their comments. The appeal will be reviewed by the national planning inspectorate.