Mosque plans confirmed near Maxwell Park
Hertsmere Council clarifies park itself is unaffected by sale of former Girl Guide hut site.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 10 June 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
Hertsmere Borough Council has stated that Maxwell Park remains unaffected by plans for a new mosque and community facility. The Borehamwood Islamic Society (BIS) has purchased the leasehold for the former Girl Guide hut, located beside the park, with the intention of developing a mosque.
The acquisition has led to public concern, with some commentary suggesting the park itself was under threat or that the development would encroach on protected green space. However, the council has clarified that the lease is specifically for the former Girl Guide hut and its immediate surroundings, which are currently tarmac and separated from the park by trees and fencing. This means no parkland will be lost.
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A petition titled 'protect Maxwell Park' has garnered 747 signatures. While not opposing any faith or lawful land use, the petition raises concerns regarding access to green space, local infrastructure, and parking. It calls for thorough examination and meaningful public consultation on proposals affecting the park.
Hertsmere Borough Council has stated that any future construction will undergo the standard, rigorous statutory planning process. This process will consider all relevant factors, including traffic, parking, and environmental impact, alongside comprehensive public consultation. The council has also condemned what it described as "misleading commentary" and attempts to create division.
The Borehamwood Islamic Society intends to replace the current dilapidated hut with a new, self-funded facility. The society has operated the former Girl Guide hut since 2020 and has now completed the exchange of contracts for a 999-year lease transfer of the site at market value. The planned community centre is intended to be open to all members of the local area.
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Questions this report answers
+Will Maxwell Park itself be affected by the mosque plans?
No, Maxwell Park remains unaffected by the plans. The council has confirmed that the development is limited to the former Girl Guide hut site and its immediate surroundings, which are separated from the park by trees and fencing. This means no parkland will be lost.
+Who purchased the site for the mosque plans?
The Borehamwood Islamic Society (BIS) has purchased the leasehold for the former Girl Guide hut site. They have held the lease since 2020 and have now completed the transfer of a 999-year lease at market value to develop a new mosque and community facility.
+What concerns have been raised about the mosque plans?
A petition titled 'protect Maxwell Park' has raised concerns about access to green space, local infrastructure, and parking. The petition calls for thorough examination and public consultation, though it does not oppose the mosque itself or any lawful land use.
+What happens next with the mosque plans?
Any future construction will undergo a full statutory planning process. This includes rigorous assessment of traffic, parking, and environmental impacts, alongside comprehensive public consultation. The council has condemned misleading commentary and emphasised the need for transparency.
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