Controversial proposals to use a residential house in Telford for Islamic teaching sessions for up to 70 youngsters have been thrown out by planning chiefs.
Councillors said they were concerned the semi-detached property at 139 Crescent Road in Hadley was too small for the number of children using it. The Al-Huda Trust submitted the retrospective application for the religious after-school club.
It has been operating without planning permission.
Member Ali Zafar said today the trust was considering appealing the decision made at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board yesterday.
The trust had previously submitted a report to planning officers, which said their aim was to assist the community with problems of gang culture, drugs and racial tension.
But plans board members refused the application on the grounds it would create extra traffic and disturbances for neighbours.
Councillor Joy Francis said although she supported the idea of the after-school club, it was in the wrong location.
She said: “I do think it is a marvellous idea, but I know a lot of after-school clubs have to be regulated by Ofsted and I don’t think they would sanction more than 40 pupils at one time.”
Councillor Malcolm Smith said: “I think a facility of this type is desperately needed across Telford, but my concern is there are only two exits and two toilets to cater for more than 70 children.
“In principle, it is a good idea, but there are safety issues to consider and I don’t think the building is right.”
Telford & Wrekin Council had received nearly 70 letters in support of the application, but Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council was against the plans.
Twelve letters of objections had also been received from residents, who were upset about what they call a “money-making business” causing extra disruption and harm to the character of the local area.
But Councillor Keith Austin voiced his support for the application.
He said: “I do see they should have got permission before they set it up, but this has been working there for some time.
“Refusal would create severe problems for these people.
“In my view permission should be granted and if the planning board is not happy with the the current proposal then I would recommend they put conditions on the application, such as as a limit on the number of children who can attend at any one time or a trial period of about 18 months.”
By Janine Griffiths
Share this article:
What are these?