JB

The Chair reported she and JS attended a meeting with Cllrs Goddard and Palmer and representatives of the KSIMC Hujjat Organisation. The meeting was at the Civic Centre, with the

purpose of obtaining any updated information, answers to rumours and request engagement with the Harefield Community.

In response to the rumour re purchase of the recreation park and the Community Centre. – they were NOT buying the park area or the Community Centre and had not met with LBH officer to discuss doing so. They were unaware of the rumour. They requested that we let them know of any others so that they can address them quickly.

It was believed by Cllrs that the lack of information had led to the creation of these, and other, rumours. KSIMC reps were asked what their vision was for Widewater Place – It was stated that their vision, although not set, was close to their current website. It would include Residential senior living, community centre, sports facility/gym, medical facility, nursery, serviced offices.

They have employed companies for planning and PR but have yet to engage architects. They have no architectural plans yet.

They stated that they are volunteers, and they are still needing to raise funding, so things are taking longer. It is likely to be 2-3 years before we are applying for planning permission.

Large offices no longer desirable so they are in the process of developing small office spaces to let to raise funds. These would be available to local residents as well as the wider population.

It was queried whether internal works were to develop a school – No it was the development of the small office spaces.

It was stated that Community Cohesion was needed, and the lack of information had been interpreted by some as secrecy. – The reps said that they wanted to engage with residents, and the invitation to some residents to attend Iftar had been an attempt to do so. They said that they had been advised to go softly, softly due to opposition. Following a question JB explained Iftar as meal that breaks fast during Ramadan and confirmed that she had been invited. She had declined as it was going to be held at Widewater and thought it may be outside planning permissions.

They will give further consideration to possible events for local people to attend.

A member asked if they owned Widewater and JB confirmed that they had completed on the purchased in October 2022.

It was stated that Musgrave House (building on the right) has been leased to the World Federation (the parent/global organisation). A member suggested that this was a way to channel money. They hope to have a small gym in this block which local residents could subscribe to.

It was stated that they need to consider when events could be perceived as provocative. They related that they had held their AGM in Stanmore for this reason (live streamed). The event at Widewater had been held by the World Federation. Some HTRA members expressed the view that there was little difference as it was basically the same organisation/ owner.

They had not intended to be secret and had nothing to report due to the fact they needed further funding. They were advised to reconsider their strategies for engagement. They wanted to be available to the community.

The meeting was considered by all present to be helpful and it was proposed that meetings continue on a quarterly basis, to be able to provide and share information to the community.

The same small group would meet every three months, providing continuity.

At this point a person tried to play a video of the Hujjat organisation and JB asked her to share the link so everyone could view it if they wanted to. It was not the situation to watch it; the meeting in the hall on a small screen that only a few could see. It was suggested that people could listen, but JB asked for the link.

A member then accused JB of shutting down the conversation and stated that Widewater Place was always last on the Agenda and then not allowed to be discussed by the residents - JB responded that Widewater had been discussed earlier during the Police element of the meeting and that we were regularly repeating the same things.

Another member then asked why other members were not invited to the meeting and why there were no questions set from the Association at the meeting.

JB replied they did raise some of the questions which had been asked.

A member stated that by having these meetings it looked as if they have engaged with the Harefield community which they have not.

JB Asked the members what was it that they wanted her/the HTRA to do? This was met with:-

Represent them at the meetings ask them difficult questions, put the opinions of the local community to them. To ask them questions we wanted answered - JB stated she raised questions from the HTRA community.

Another member stated the traffic would be terrible in Harefield if they come from Harrow, Stanmore, etc. They would come in their thousands.

A member asked why Harefield First was not invited to the meeting. It was arranged by the Councillor and it was his choice who to invite along.

Another member stated the meeting had taken place and nothing can be done about it now and why not compile questions for the next meeting.

A member stated the Association must not accept what Hujjat said. All explanations and answers to the questions stated were not true according to this member of the HTRA committee. He suggested that before the next meeting another member of the Committee attend. J.B. stated this had already been agreed with KSIMC and related at the last Committee meeting.

The member then once again stated they are not to be trusted the Group has stated there will be a Mosque with 10,000 members. - JB responded by saying they had told her there would NOT be a Mosque.

JB stated once again they did question the reps in the meeting.

JB - I would like to categorically state they advised they would not be building a mosque.

JB informed some of those present that she knew that they had a petition signed by over 3,000 but did not know what the petition said. She also said that not all residents shared their views and the HTRA have to represent the residents as a whole not just the Harefield First Group.

JB Stated the KSIMC did not disrespect any of the women that attended the meeting, in any way.

Another member stated she has heard that the group were looking to buy the Bear and the Barge public house to build the mosque. - JB. stated that this would have to once again be subject to planning permission and that they would have to apply for a change of use, from Restaurant to a place of worship.

A member then stated without planning application being submitted nothing as yet can be done. When the planning comes in that will be the time to object.

A Committee member GB (also of Harefield First Group) then stated that the HTRA should not be going to these “cosy” meetings which looks as if the HTRA are assisting them with their plans and using it as Community Engagement. The member wanted a vote on whether or not the village wanted a Mosque. - J.B. said no vote would take place.

JB. asked this member What do you wanting us to do that we are not already doing? It was responded by “ We want the H.T.R.A. to relay our opposition to our local Councillors and Members of Parliament to Harefield having a Mosque. Also to advise them not to engage in the meetings and to have photo opportunities as it appears they are assisting them in the plans for the development.

A member objected to the way the meetings were conducted at the HTRA and that the objections were not being heard from the members who objected to the Widewater place. It was pointed out that it was important that all members of the community had a right to share their opinions and it was not just members of Harefield First Group. JB informed the meeting that some long- standing attendees had informed her that they no longer attended as they did not like the tone of the meeting now.

A member stood and stated that she felt she was not wanted at the meeting – JB contested this.

A number of attendees started to leave as they voiced their views were not being heard.