‘Unauthorised’ Buddhist temple operating in former pub ordered to close

A Buddhist temple operating inside a former pub has been ordered to close by a London council, which said its use as a place of worship was unauthorised

The Lord Brooke in Walthamstow is a large Victorian pub dating back to the late 19th century, but it has been owned by Buddhist charity the Confucius & Tao Association since 2014, when it called last orders.

Waltham Forest council has ordered the association to stop using it as a place of worship, citing a planning decision from more than a decade ago which did not approve the conversion of the premises when it was taken over.

The pub closed and was sold in August 2014 after it lost its licence earlier that year, following a raid by police and council officers, who found drug dealers and drug paraphernalia there.

It was described as a “haven” for drug dealers and users while it was operating.

But the Buddhist association’s application to turn the venue into a place of worship was refused in 2015 by the local authority, which said its use as a pub was a “valued part of the social infrastructure of the area”.

However, it appears that the association proceeded to use the site as a temple, despite the council’s decision.

According to the Charity Commission, the organisation is based at the Lord Brooke. Its activities listed on the commission’s website include seminars on the teachings of Buddhism, prayer meetings and weekly study sessions.

Waltham Forest issued a planning enforcement notice on 30 April, having identified “a breach of planning control” regarding the building’s usage.

This notice demanded the charity stop the “unauthorised use of the land and buildings as a place of worship, associated community centre, and ancillary café” and cease “all gatherings, events and educational classes.”

It has also been told to remove all of the temple’s fixtures and fittings and then clear all debris and waste from the site.

Outlining the reasons for issuing the notice, the local authority said the change of use “has resulted in the unjustified loss of a valued public community facility.”

It added: “Public houses form an important part of the borough’s social infrastructure, supporting community cohesion, employment and the evening and night-time economy.

“The loss of this social hub is therefore harmful to the local area and contrary to policies aimed at protecting community assets.”

The association was given three months from 29 May to comply, but the notice has now been suspended as an appeal has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

A Waltham Forest spokesperson told The Independent: “Planning laws are designed to control the development and use of buildings to benefit the public.

“We enforce these regulations to maintain and enhance the unique character of our town centres and neighbourhoods as well as to protect the integrity of the planning system.

“The council served an enforcement notice at 47 Shernhall Street on Thursday, 30th April after identifying a breach of planning control regarding the building’s usage.

“We are aware an appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and as such the notice is currently suspended until they have come to a decision.”

The Independent contacted the Confucius & Tao Association for comment.