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Search the Public Notice Portal“Misleading commentary” has been criticised amid plans for a mosque and community facility in Borehamwood.
The former Girl Guide hut by Maxwell Park has been operated by Borehamwood Islamic Society (BIS) since 2020 and has now been purchased by the society with a view to building a mosque.
Backlash followed the announcement amid claims that the park was under threat and the facility would be built on protected green space.
This morning (June 10), Hertsmere Borough Council shared a statement to clarify that “Maxwell Park itself is unaffected” and “the lease relates only to the former Girl Guide hut and its surrounding land”.
The land around the hut is currently tarmac and separated from the park by trees and fences, meaning no parkland or green space can be lost.
A "protect Maxwell Park" petition was started in response to the initial announcement, gathering 747 signatures, as residents also claimed to be organising a protest.
The petition says it is not in opposition to any “faith, community group, or lawful use of land”, but raises concerns about access to green space, local infrastructure, and parking capacity.
It calls for “thorough scrutiny” and “meaningful public consultation” over proposals affecting the park.
The council statement confirmed: “Any future construction will remain subject to the standard, rigorous statutory planning process.
“That process would consider all relevant matters, including traffic, parking, and environmental impact, alongside full public consultation.”
It added that BIS trustees showed clear intent to invest in the site and replace a dilapidated hut, which its group had outgrown, into a new self-funded facility.
The leasehold was sold at market value.
“While we welcome open, democratic debate about local developments, we strongly condemn and will continue to reject any attempt to use these matters to stoke division or spread misleading commentary,” the spokesperson added.
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“We welcome the recent statement from Hertsmere's Faith Leaders reinforcing this stance.
“Hertsmere is a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and the council will always work to keep it that way.”
The council and BIS have formally exchanged contracts and completed a 999-year lease transfer for the specific footprint of the former Guide Hut site. The community centre will be open to everyone in the area.
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