A controversial plan to turn two shops into a place of worship has been given the go-ahead after a successful planning inspectorate appeal.

This decision comes after it was rejected by Redbridge council planners in December last year who said it would have a "detrimental" impact on a high street.

More than 850 people signed a petition against the Woodford Muslim Cultural Centre's (WMCC) bid to convert a former hairdressers and a sweet shop in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, into a community centre with prayer facilities.

The WMCC was looking for permission to hold up to 60 people at a time during 20-minute prayer sessions, which would have taken place seven days a week, between 7am and 10pm.

The application was refused on December 30 on the grounds "it would result in the loss of retail units which would be detrimental to the retail function of the Woodford Broadway and Snakes Lane East".

Residents, shop owners and the reverend of Saint Barnabas Church opposite the site, objected due to a loss of retail space and existing parking problems.

WMCC initially launched a petition of its own in support of the latest proposal, with over 100 signatures and 57 submissions online.

And an appeal to the planning inspectorate, with a decision made this week, has been successful.

Inspector Grahame Gould rejected Redbridge council’s suggestion that the use of the site as a mosque would be detrimental to the area.

He said: "The council asserts that the premises could be let to alternative occupiers, however, it has not presented any evidence to substantiate that claim.

"The appellant intends that the premises would, amongst other things, be used for: the holding of coffee mornings and afternoons; and the provision of youth mentoring and careers advice.

“In my opinion the operation of the community centre would bring people from the local area to this shopping area and assist with maintaining its vitality.

"I therefore find that this use’s presence would be complementary to the functioning of the local centre and would not harm its vitality or viability."

Bridge ward councillor and Conservative Party leader Paul Canal said he was "surprised and disappointed" at the decision.

He said: "Frankly I am baffled.

“For a planning inspector to ride roughshod not just over our planning policies, but also the views of local people, is incomprehensible."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Petitioners campaigning against the plans for a mosque in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.