Overview
- The challenge comes from councillors Louise Brown, Rachel Buckler and Simon Howarth, plus resident John Hardwick, with backing from the Christian Legal Centre after approaching Christian Concern.
- Monmouthshire County Council confirmed receipt of the pre-action protocol letter and said it will respond in due course.
- The Labour-led cabinet approved in June a 30-year lease to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association to convert the vacant, Grade II-listed former library into a mosque and community centre.
- Council officials defend the four-week December 2024 tender as competitive, say no planning permission is required because libraries and places of worship share a use class, and note the tenant must handle repairs and maintenance; the annual rent has been reported at about £6,000.
- The dispute has highlighted local tensions, including anti-Muslim vandalism of the building earlier this year, while supporters such as Rev Gareth Wilde argue the association lacks a dedicated place of worship and should be treated equally.