A controversial planning application to build a Muslim community centre with prayer facilities has been turned down.

The application to replace the vacant retail unit in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, was put forward by the Woodford Green Muslim Cultural Centre last year splitting opinion among residents.

It was rejected by Redbridge Council last week.

Loss of retail space was cited as the main reason for the decision.

Cllr Robin Turbefield had asked his Bridge ward constituents to lodge their opinion on the application during the consultation process.

Speaking this week, he said: “There would have been a lot of issues particularly with parking and no one wants to see a loss of retail space.

“We had quite a lot of people saying they were not in favour but there were people on the other side, too.

“The site was not in the best position.”

The Ilford Recorder has contacted the Woodford Green Muslim Cultural Centre for a response.