Hawzah News Agency- The Grade II listed building was targeted by Islamophobic vandalism two days before the committee was due to consider the application, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Councillor Ben Callard, who is responsible for resources including leases , said I think it was the correct one and Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association will be good tenants for this property.
The lease was also described as a commercial deal and Callard said the Muslim association is not benefiting from a rental agreement, which is a subsidy, that other community groups leasing council buildings enjoy.
Callard also acknowledged it was an "ambition" of the cabinet the local Muslim community should have a mosque.
Concerns from residents over car parking in the area were also acknowledged at the meeting. Callard said the association has committed to using the three nearby public car parks.
All seven members of the cabinet confirmed their support for the original decision with the lease being offered to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association.
Source: BBC
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