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

The London council decided to close the Buddhist temple operating inside a former pub, stating that it was not allowed to be used as a place of worship.

The Lord Brooke in Walthamstow is a large Victorian pub that dates back to the late 19th century, but has been owned by the Buddhist charity Confucius and Tao Society since 2014, when it received its final orders.

Waltham Forest council ordered the society to stop using it as a place of worship, citing a planning decision taken more than a decade ago that did not approve the conversion of the building when it was taken over.

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

During its operation, it was described as a “sanctuary” for drug dealers and users.

However, the Buddhist association’s application to turn the place into a place of worship was rejected by the local government in 2015, and it was stated that the use of the place as a pub was “a valuable part of the social infrastructure of the area”.

However, it seems that the association continues to use this place as a temple despite the council’s decision.

According to the Charity Commission, the organization is headquartered in Lord Brooke. The commission’s activities listed on its website include seminars on Buddhist teachings, prayer meetings and weekly study sessions.

Waltham Forest issued a planning enforcement notice on April 30, finding a “breach of planning control” regarding the use of the building.

The notice demanded that the charity cease “unauthorised use of land and buildings as a place of worship, associated community center and auxiliary café” and cease “all meetings, events and educational classes”.

It was also said to remove all fixtures and fittings of the temple and then clear all debris and waste from the area.

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

He 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 would therefore be detrimental to the local area and contrary to policies aimed at protecting community assets.”

The association was given three months from May 29 to comply, but the notification has now been suspended due to an appeal being lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.

A Waltham Forest spokesman said Independent: “Zoning laws are designed to control the development and use of buildings for the public benefit.

“We are implementing these regulations to protect and enhance the unique character of our town centers and neighborhoods, as well as to protect the integrity of the planning system.

“The council served an enforcement notice on 47 Shernhall Street on Thursday 30 April after finding there had been a breach of planning control regarding the use of the building.

“We are aware that an appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and therefore the notification is currently suspended pending a decision.”

Independent He contacted the Confucius and Tao Society for comment.