Plans to use a house in Telford for Islamic teaching sessions for up to 70 youngsters, helping them avoid being snared by gang culture, looks set to be thrown out.
A retrospective planning application has been made by leaders of the Al-Huda Trust for a religious after-school club for children aged between five and 16 at the semi-detached property at 139 Crescent Road, Hadley.
But planning officers of Telford & Wrekin Council are recommending refusal of the change of use because the extra traffic and noise disturbs neighbours.
The controversy will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s plans board on September 24.
In a report to councillors, planning officers say: “The applicants state that for the past 10 years they have been teaching basic Islamic studies to children between the ages of five and 16.
“They say the aim is to assist the community with the escalating problem of gang culture, associated drug problems and racial tension.
“They initially operated from a hired hall in Hadley Junior School until December 2006, when it was demolished, and claim they have been unable to meet at the new Hadley Learning Centre because of its reluctance to support a single religious faith.
“Since that time they have operated from 139 Crescent Road, which they have purchased as a trust.”
The council has received 69 letters supporting the club, saying it teaches children good values, manners and morals, and benefits the local community.
West Mercia Police support the principle of the club because it helps to fill a gap in youth development education in the area.
However, 12 letters of objection have been received from residents, backed by Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council.
They are upset about what they call a money-making business causing extra traffic, disruption and harm to the character of a residential area.
Recommending refusal, planning officers say the community and social benefits of the club are needed in Telford, but do not provide sufficient justification to breach existing planning rules for what is a residential street.
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