Green Light for Redevelopment of Church Road Community Centre
Nine-storey Al-Hidayah Cultural & Community Centre will include 40 flats
A visualisation of the centre from planning documentation
September 22, 2026
Ealing Council has published its draft decision notice recommending approval for the proposed redevelopment of the Annoor Cultural & Community Centre on Church Road, Acton, marking a major step forward for the long-running project. The scheme would see the existing centre replaced by the new Al-Hidayah Cultural & Community Centre, alongside 40 new flats.
The Council’s delegated decision report concludes that the “planning balance favours granting planning permission”, subject to completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, highway arrangements and planning conditions. Formal permission has not yet been issued, but the draft notice indicates that the Council ’s assessment and senior review have been completed.
The proposed mixed-use development includes a purpose-built cultural and community facility with improved prayer spaces, classrooms, multipurpose halls, café and ancillary areas. The new centre is designed to provide a modern, accessible environment for worship, education and community activities, replacing the existing building which has operated for over 20 years.
Council officers found that the public benefits — including new housing and the enhancement of the community facility — outweigh the identified adverse impacts. The report recognises the scheme’s contribution to local housing supply and its role in supporting the centre’s long-term service to the community.
The application attracted 135 public comments, with 89 in support and 45 objections. Supporters described the redevelopment as a much-needed improvement to an ageing building, highlighting the benefits of modern facilities, accessibility and expanded educational and social programmes. Many said the new centre would strengthen community cohesion and provide a safer, more inclusive space for residents of all ages.
Objections focused largely on the height and scale of the proposed nine-storey building, which exceeds the parameters set out in the Acton Gardens Masterplan. Residents argued that the development would cause loss of daylight and privacy for neighbouring homes, create an overbearing presence on Church Road and worsen parking and traffic congestion. Several objectors also raised concerns about the absence of affordable housing, drainage and flood risk, and the cumulative impact of new developments in the area.
Others questioned whether the public benefits justified the scale of the scheme, noting that the new centre would replace rather than add to existing community provision. Some residents also criticised the consultation process, saying notification had been limited.
The existing Annoor Cultural & Community Centre on Church Road
Kalim Reid, Managing Director of the Annoor Cultural & Community Centre, described the draft decision as “a major milestone in the journey of our Centre”, thanking supporters and neighbours for their patience through the lengthy planning process. He emphasised that the centre remains open and that no closure or construction dates have been confirmed. Formal planning permission will be issued once the Section 106 agreement and remaining formalities are complete.
The redevelopment will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the centre, which has served the Acton community since 1994.
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