UK town to approve new gurudwara

London: The dream of Indian origin residents in east Midlands town of Leicester to convert a disused industrial unit into a gurudwara may soon come true with the local administration likely give its approval for turning the place into a Sikh temple of worship.

Residents and councillors hope that the new temple would help regenerate the area of Leicester. Some residents opposed the plan on the ground of potential and traffic problems, but this has been rejected.

"This will make use of a building which would otherwise be empty, so I'm in favour of it. It will increase footfall in the area and could have a domino effect in getting other empty buildings nearby back into use. I respect the views of residents who have objected, but I can see no reason why this shouldn't be approved," Regeneration chief and ward councillor Abdul Osman said.

"Although no on-site parking is proposed, I do not consider that a refusal on lack of parking could be justified. The applicant has demonstrated that most of the users are living in the walking distances and the area is well served by public transport. I consider that the proposed change of use is acceptable," a local council planning report said.

The report stated that under planning guidelines, the "places of worship need to be close to or within the catchments area of the community they serve provided the activities do not cause unacceptable disturbance."

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The plans are expected to be approved by councillors at a meeting on Monday. The two-storey industrial unit has been empty for three years and is surrounded by homes and a social club.