A planning application has been lodged seeking permission to partially convert a disused social venue in Brighton into a mosque and Islamic education facility.

The submission concerns the former Brighton and Hove Sports and Social Club located at 16 Lewes Road.

The scheme involves transforming a section of the structure from its current social club use to a religious establishment, while also establishing five overnight rooms designated for occasional accommodation.

Documentation filed with the council names H Choudhury as the applicant, though minimal information has been provided regarding the intended operators or beneficiaries of the religious institution.

Records indicate the premises currently accommodate a main hall, performance stage, multiple bars, a lounge area and a dance floor.

The submitted layout for the ground level shows a prayer chamber and reading room, while the upper level would contain a function space alongside the sleeping quarters.

The proposal has attracted 20 expressions of endorsement alongside one formal complaint.

Those backing the scheme contend the venture would restore a neglected property to active use, deliver worship and instructional facilities, and enable members of Brighton’s Islamic population to establish social networks.

One backer presenting themselves as the proprietor of the postal service at 6 Lewes Road observed that a neighbourhood religious venue would enable residents from diverse age groups, occupations and demographics working and living in the city to interact.

Patrons visiting the establishment would likely patronise neighbouring independent traders by frequenting local eateries, retail outlets and dining establishments before or after services and gatherings.

Another supporter characterised the initiative as an opportunity to develop an energetic neighbourhood focal point combining instruction, charitable activities, voluntary service, youth initiatives and community assistance.

A representative from the University of Brighton noted that proximity to a worship venue could assist students residing away from their family homes in combating loneliness and developing relationships outside their academic institution.

The establishment at 16 Lewes Road carries a historical legacy exceeding one hundred years.

Brighton and Hove Sports and Social Club Limited achieved society registration on 23 February 1920.

The venue ceased operations permanently on 4 August 2024.

In its concluding period, the site presented comedy performances, cabaret shows and community arts programming.

The premises were previously designated as the Brighton Trades Labour Club and Institute.

Following its closure, advocates secured statutory listing of the property as an Asset of Community Value while examining options to reopen it as a non-commercial community space under the designation The Brighton Social.

Steve Peake has lodged opposition to the present application and initiated a campaign advocating preservation of the structure as a wide-ranging community and cultural venue.

Mr Peake serves as director of The Synergy Centre, a Brighton-based charitable organisation which has previously administered multi-purpose arts and community facilities in Brighton and the capital.

The Synergy Centre submitted its own offer to purchase the former social club for conversion into a fully inclusive community hub, however this arrangement did not proceed.

Mr Peake maintains that the application fails to sufficiently demonstrate how removal of a portion of existing community floor area satisfies municipal planning requirements.

Mr Peake indicated that 16 Lewes Road represents an exceptionally scarce community asset.

The structure already possesses the physical infrastructure necessary for performances, social gatherings, committee meetings, skills sessions, recreational activities and community occasions.

His concern centres on what Brighton forfeits should that adaptable accommodation become principally a specialised faith-based establishment.

The application provides no persuasive evidence that individuals beyond the Islamic community would retain meaningful building access, governance participation or influence regarding the programme.

He additionally scrutinised arrangements for managing whatever space persists for general community purposes, contending that the application offers insufficient particulars.

Establishing from the publicly available documentation who would ultimately manage the facility remains impossible, let alone how local residents might engage, Mr Peake noted.

Once flexible and affordable community and cultural spaces vanish in Brighton, recreating them proves extraordinarily challenging.

Mr Peake indicated his objection pertains specifically to the reduction and accessibility of community accommodation and would be applicable to conversion proposals for any faith-based establishment.

The application documents are accessible for review under reference BH2026/01449 via the council’s planning portal.