Sikh temple building will be used for weddings

Warwick District Council’s planning committee has granted temporary permission for The Gurdwara’s committee to use the former industrial unit it owns on the site in Queensway for three years as a convenient meeting and greeting place prior to the religious ceremonies at the temple.

A petition of 1,619 signatures along with two separate letters in support of the scheme had been received by the council.

But 439 people signed a petition objecting to the scheme and 255 letters were written asking for the council’s planning committee to reject the plan on grounds of an increased number of cars parking on and around the site, no consultation having taken place and members of the congregation opposing the proposal.

Speaking on behalf of Queensway residents, Cllr Clare Sawdon (Con, Budbrooke) said: “Six hundred and 94 people have objected to this application and I think it is only fair that there views should be put across.

“I’m a supporter of the Gurdwara and everything it stands for in the community.

“I have been asked to object to this on grounds of amenity and parking.”

Supporting the application, Cllr Jane Knight (Lab, Brunswick) said: “I want to underline the benefits of what is being proposed here.

“I know the issue is parking but I’ve never seen such a well organised car park. “There are masses of spaces, there must be more than anywhere else in Leamington.”