UK: Peterborough council denies sale of Hindu temple to mosque is ‘unlawful’
Peterborough city council argued in high court that selling the New England Complex housing a Hindu temple to UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) for a mosque was not unlawful.
The council said protected characteristics like Hindu faith do not dictate decisions, and the Hindu community is valued but must vacate upon redevelopment.
Bharat Hindu Samaj (BHS), the sitting tenant since 1986, has been negotiating to buy the building for a decade and bid £900,000 plus social value.
UKIM bid £1.4 million for the site, and the council stated it needs the money, leading BHS to seek a judicial review to quash the sale.
The council offered alternative premises, but Hindus expressed disbelief at the valuation and lack of suitable options within 35 miles.
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