The designers of a listed Gwynedd chapel would be “very pleased” to see it continue as a place of worship, after plans were submitted to turn it into a mosque.

That’s the view of the son of one of the architects who helped design Capel Moriah in Llanbedr, near Harlech.

The plans, which have been submitted to the Snowdonia National Park Authority, include carrying out alterations which would see the abandoned chapel turned into the ‘Jamia Almaarif’ Mosque and Meditation Centre.

As the site is already a place of worship in planning terms, there is no need for a change of use, but the planning bid includes removing the pews and railings from inside the Grade II listed chapel.

Griffith Morris of Porthmadog was one of the architects working on the project, which opened in 1913.

Built in the “Arts and Crafts style of the gable-entry type”, it was awarded Grade II listed status in 1997 as it represents “a fine early twentieth century chapel with a richly detailed Art Nouveau entrance and original interior.”

His son, Dan Morris, said: “My father worked for O Morris Roberts and Son and drew up the plans for Capel Moriah.

“In my view he would be very pleased that the building is once again used for worship.

“Its a striking building and is very beautiful, yet also fits into its surroundings. The inside is also very nice.

“But its been empty for quite time and is obviously deteriorating, but the fact it has always been a place of worship means its no major change of use in planning terms.”

He added: “There have been many comments online since the story first appeared, many of which I believe are misguided.

“I know there are concerns locally about parking, but that’s a general problem in the village. It would still be a problem if the chapel was turned into a holiday let for example.

"That’s part of the reason why they want a bypass for the village, there’s no obvious answer as things stand.”

The applicant Fatma Bodhee, a director of Barking-based Jamia Almaarif, has been approached for comment.

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