Councillors will discuss plans to convert a former Girl Guides hut into a mosque.

The Borehamwood Islamic Society wants to move from its current home in Aycliffe Road to Maxwell Park.

The society says its current premises, a former retail unit, is "unfit for purpose" and a relocation will enable the congregation to grow in size.

The former Girl Guides hut is a single-storey building situated behind Maxwell Park Community Centre, off Maxwell Road near Elstree Way.

It has been empty since September last year.

The hut has a capacity of up to 200 people, although the society expects up to 20 worshippers at each prayer, and a maximum of 80 to 90 worshippers at Friday prayers.

The bigger space would allow the society to be able to welcome females.

Borehamwood Times:

There would be 14 parking spaces in total.

If the mosque is granted approval, planning documents say it would have no impact on the community centre or the park.

The building would be available for wider community use outside of prayer times.

No physical changes are planned to the building.

Borehamwood Times:

Maxwell Park Community Centre, pictured, would not be affected

Borehamwood Times:

A total of 130 neighbours have been notified about the application, with one objection received.

Town councillor Pat Strack has raised concerns about the impact the mosque could have on traffic in Elstree Way.

She said: "The residents living in the flats beside the guide hut will suffer traffic , noise and parking problems.

"The staff car parks along Maxwell Road will face extra traffic problems. Elstree Way traffic will be even more disrupted.

"I can understand fully why the religious group would want to move from their present home but this site is unsuitable.

"Surely with all the plots of land that are becoming available a more suitable site could and should be found as their community grows."

Elstree Way at the junction of Maxwell Road. Credit: Google Maps

However, the applicant has advised the council that many worshippers work in places such as Imperial Place, Manor Way or the council offices; all locations close to the proposed site.

The society suggests the new location would make it more likely for worshippers to walk, while those who travel by car tend to car share.

Hertsmere Borough Council is recommending the application to change the use of the current building to a place of worship be approved.

The application will be discussed by the planning committee at a meeting on Thursday (June 18).

The meeting begins at 6pm and the public can watch it live online on this link.