A controversial plan to turn two shops into a place of worship has been rejected by planners who believe it would have a "detrimental" impact on a high street. 

Last month, more than 850 people signed a petition against the Woodford Muslim Cultural Centre's (WMCC) bid to convert a former hairdressers and a sweet shop in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, into a community centre with prayer facilities. 

The WMCC hoped it would be granted permission to hold up to 60 people at a time during 20-minute prayer sessions, which would have taken place seven days a week, between 7am and 10pm.

A previous attempt to convert the shops, which have sat empty for over a year, was turned down in August.

At the time, Redbridge council discovered the premises were being used illegally as a place of worship. 

The application was refused on December 30 on the grounds "it would result in the loss of retail units which would be detrimental to the retail function of the Woodford Broadway and Snakes Lane East", a council spokesman said.  

WMCC initially launched a petition of its own in support of the latest proposal, with over 100 signatures and 57 submissions online. 

But residents, shop owners and Reverend Fr William Obedoza, of Saint Barnabas Church opposite the site, objected due to a loss of retail space and existing parking problems.

Revd Obedoza said: "To lose two shops would have been a big shame and a contravention of the council's policy on keeping our high streets retail. 

"I am not against people praying but it was the wrong location. The change of use would have impacted on traffic flow and parking is already a nightmare. 

"The council has listened to the voices of the people and let there be no mistake, we will fight again if they re-submit or appeal."

Now that the application has been refused, the council have said they will monitor the site following a second complaint in October it was being used as a place of worship without permission.