Businessmen Shahid Siddiq and Imam Hussain are behind controversial plans to create a Muslim prayer centre in London Road, Devizes.

Mr Siddiq, who owns Devizes Textiles, and Mr Hussain, who runs the Bengal Bite in Sheep Street, have applied to Wiltshire Council for retrospective permission for two portable buildings to be used by the Muslim community at Bedborough Farm.

But people living around London Road are worried it will add to traffic and parking problems.

Mr Hussain said: “We originally had one portable building and then we added a second one. We were told we needed planning permission so we have applied.

“We now have about 40 members of our community in Devizes and it is good for them to have somewhere to meet to pray but also to meet each other and discuss things.”

He said the most important prayers happen on a Friday when up to 25 people might attend. But prayers are conducted in the portable buildings six times a day by an imam.  Usually only a handful of people attend.

He said an imam now lives at the house at Bedborough Farm, which is owned by Mr Siddiq.

Mr Hussain, who has run his restaurant for 12 years, said: “I am very much part of the town. I am involved in Devizes Carnival, Devizes Festival and many other events.”

Mr Siddiq said: “We need one cabin for the prayers and the other for the washing of hands. In the past people have had to go up to 30 miles away to pray.

“I understand some people may have concerns but we have spoken to the community police officers so they can explain exactly what we are doing if people get in touch.

“The Muslim religion has a number of different groups and we are part of one that is very peaceful and loving. Harmony is our focus.”

But people living near Bedborough Farm are worried that if planning permission is granted there will be an increase in traffic and parking problems will increase.

One neighbour who lives near to the portable buildings has written to the council to object.

He said: “I am very concerned about the parking and the traffic. I am also worried about an overloading of services such as sewerage.

“I was flooded here in the past and sewage was overflowing and I think it could happen again if there are not proper facilities.”

Another neighbour said: “I have no problem with the idea of the prayer buildings but I don’t think a road with residential properties is the place for it.

“It would be much better if it was up on the Hopton Industrial Estate.”

Wiltshire councillor Laura Mayes said she would ask the council to call the plan in for discussion if there are sufficient relevant issues raised.

She can be contacted at laura.mayes@wiltshire.gov.uk.