A NEW Muslim community centre for young people has been given the green light by the council's planning committee.

The Leytonstone Muslim Community Centre is set to move into a property in Carlton Road and will offer activities including chess, pool and table tennis as well as IT services.

A report put before the committee states: “There is a pressing need for youth facilities to enable structured recreation for young people in the interests of community cohesion.”

The application was originally considered on July 21 but was deferred on the grounds that further information was required about proposed activities.

A more detailed letter was sent to the council by the Leytonstone Muslim Community Centre on September 14, explaining specifically which activities were planned for the site.

The letter also stated that the centre would not be used for prayer or sports and although users might be taken on day trips, they would not gather at the centre beforehand.

The report adds: “A centre manager would be on site at all times.

“Prior to opening, the applicant has expressed an intention to write to all residents advising them of the date, invite youngsters to join and give a contact number for potential complaints.”

The site will provide space for about 30 young people and the applicants already provide youth facilities in the area at The Pastures in Davies Lane and the IMF Hall in Granleigh Road.

Some concerns were raised over whether the new community centre would cause a noise nuisance to residents living nearby but council officers concluded the problem would not be major.

A condition was also recommended to be in place once planning permission was granted preventing the premises from being used for worship.

The applicants have also been told they must begin work on the building within three years of being given permission.