Plans to build a Muslim school have been given the green light following backing from the council leader.

The Al-Noor Foundation, the charity which already runs Al-Noor Muslim Primary School, Green Lane, Goodmayes, is feeling “very grateful” after the cabinet approved plans for a new voluntary-aided school on Tuesday.

The charity is hoping to provide places for 420 pupils by 2022 with the school, which will be located on the site of the existing independent school and on a new site adjacent, bought by the foundation.

The decision comes after a council consultation which saw 98 per cent of 400 representations in favour of the move.

Al-Noor trustee Sadiq Kothia said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and cooperation from all parties.

“The New school will fulfil our aspiration of joining the family of Redbridge schools and at the same time greatly assist our local authority to ease the pressure and burden of school places.

“Our co-operation to make available our land and the local authorities willingness to work together enabled the partnership to succeed.

“We are very grateful to our local authority and in particular Children’s Services and councilors across all parties that have been supportive, in particular Cllr. Elaine Norman and Cllr Jas Athwal for their leadership within the cabinet.

He added: “We also recognise the roles played by Cllr. Alan Weinberg who originally set the wheels in motion.”

The new school is due to open in September 2017.