Wales: Abergavenny Library Lease to Mosque Confirmed by Council Cabinet
The Labour-led cabinet voted unanimously to uphold its original decision, taken in May, to grant a 30-year lease for the building. The decision was revisited following a formal call-in request by three councillors, which triggered a review by the council’s scrutiny committee.
The building, a Grade II-listed structure formerly used as a pupil referral unit after the library relocated in 2015, became the subject of public attention just days before the committee met, when it was targeted by Islamophobic vandalism.
Council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby clarified during the June 25 cabinet meeting that the scrutiny process was not intended to overturn decisions but to allow for further review. “The call-in asked us to review the decision made and does not have the authority to overturn the decision,” she said.
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Councillor Ben Callard, cabinet member for resources, responded to the seven points raised by the scrutiny committee but maintained his support for the lease. “I’ve reflected on them but at the moment I’m not minded to change the original decision. I think it was the correct one and Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association will be good tenants for this property,” he said.
Cllr Callard defended the council’s approach to the tender process, noting the four-week window attracted several competitive bids. He rejected the suggestion that an independent building survey was necessary and emphasised that the council had the internal capability to assess the property.
He also addressed concerns about the rental value. The lease was agreed at £500 per month, prompting criticism from Conservative leader Richard John, who argued that taxpayers would be subsidising the mosque. Cllr Callard disagreed, stating: “The taxpayers of Monmouthshire will not be subsidising it... it returned the figures proposed by the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association, which was the highest submission.”
The lease is on a full repair basis, meaning the association will handle all maintenance costs. Cllr Callard clarified that the agreement is commercial in nature and distinct from subsidised community group leases.
All cabinet members reaffirmed their support for the lease, finalising the council’s offer to the association.
Source: Agencies
