A BID to double the size of a mosque and education centre in Chingford has been unanimously rejected by councillors.

The application by the Chingford Islamic Society to convert a shop and flat next door to its current premises in Chingford Mount Road was refused at a planning meeting earlier tonight (Tuesday May 3).

Residents concerned about the impact of the proposal on residential parking packed out the public gallery and also submitted a last-minute petition signed by more than 800 people.

A spokesman for the society said it was "very disappointed" by the decision and added that it was now considering whether to appeal.

Residents were overjoyed at the decision, which they greeted with a round of applause.

Currently around 300 people worship at the society's main building in Chingford Mount, but have to do so in two sessions because there is only capacity for 150.

The society wanted to expand to allow everyone to pray at the same time, and said most visitors were local and did not travel by car.

But nearby householders said their streets would get even more congested if the application was approved.

Council officers agreed and had planned to reject the application outright until cabinet member Cllr Afzal Akram intervened and referred the matter to the planning committee.

He refused to say why he had done so prior to the meeting, claiming it would be prejudicial.

Cllr Akram, who was the only councillor to speak in favour of the application, revealed at tonight's meeting that he thought the decision was too significant to be left to a council officer to decide.

He added: "It [the centre] is already being visited by this many people [300], this wouldn't lead to any extra people going but rather everyone leaving earlier and quicker".

But councillors such as Alan Siggers disputed that claim.

Cllr Siggers added: "We also need to consider the history of this site - only temporary consent was originally granted on the understanding that an alternative site would be found."

During the meeting there was also cross-party condemnation at the extent of the council's public consultation.

Lib Dem councillor Liz Phillips was typical when she said it was "appalling" that only 17 nearby homes had been approached for their views.

Alan Berry, 64, of Royston Avenue, was one of those who came to the meeting to raise his objections.

He said afterwards: "I'm absolutely delighted at the decision.

"But myself and many other residents were never informed of this originally.

"The two women who organised the petition have been working really hard in getting it together at very short notice and they should be congratulated for that."

A society spokesman said: "We're very disappointed.

"Parking is a problem all over the place in Waltham Forest, not just in Chingford Mount.

"There is a big demand and we've been trying for ten years to find a suitable alternative but it's been impossible.

"We've offered to buy many buildings, including the Royston Arms pub, but without success.

"The council is getting rid of so many car parks and that's what is causing these problems. Show me a place in Waltham Forest where there isn't parking problems."

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