Crawley Hindu temple given green light

HINDUS are celebrating victory in a long-running campaign for a new temple.

The Ifield plan faced a major setback in November when councillors rejected an application over parking and flooding issues.

It seemed the plans were hit further by flooding in Ifield after the River Mole burst its banks last month.

But a revised scheme was accepted at a packed meeting in the Civic Hall on Monday night.

Bharat Lukka, a trustee of Crawley's Hindu union, said: "It's brilliant news for Crawley.

"The matter is now closed and we are planning to open in August this year.

"We want to work with our neighbours around the Apple Tree Farm site.

"The community has gone through some turmoil since the plan was rejected in November 2008 but justice has been done."

Mr Lukka thanked town MP Laura Moffatt and Langley Green councillor Brenda Smith for their support.

The temple, which is already half-built, is on land which flooded last month.

Bill Salsano, a businessman who lives near the site, told the News a similar flood could have grave consequences.

He said: "If there is another flood and there are hundreds of people in the temple, there could be injuries or worse. It's that simple."

But councillors decided adequate drainage plans have been made.

The plan was also opposed by some residents when planned car parking was cut from 250 to 99.

Ifield resident Richard Nixon said: "I have not been against the Hindu temple as a concept. I objected to the way they wanted to cut car parking to save money.

"We will be keeping a watch on the Hindu union to make sure they stick to their word about travel plans so we don't have hundreds of cars parked in residential roads."

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