Plans to convert a former café in Ilford into an Islamic institute for up to 30 children have been withdrawn.
The proposals, submitted to Redbridge Council in late June by Design House & Developers on behalf of applicant Mohammed Muzumder, were officially withdrawn on 17 July. No reason has been given for the decision.
The application sought permission to transform a vacant unit on Oaklands Park Avenue into a community-based Islamic education centre offering religious teaching alongside tuition in mainstream subjects.
According to planning documents, the institute would have helped Muslim children “integrate with British society” while promoting “respect for the laws of the land”. The design statement said: “The intention for the project is to establish a community and culture centre which is self-financed and based on charitable contributions from the local community.”
As well as Islamic education, the centre would have provided lessons in English, maths and science. The proposed opening hours were 9am to 9pm, seven days a week.
Planning documents stated that Mr Muzumder had previously operated the Barakah Café and Lounge from the premises, but the business had since closed after failing to meet expectations.
The applicant argued the new institute would have had “no detrimental impact” on the surrounding area.
Planning documents also claimed there was “very strong demand” for the facility, adding that nearby residents had welcomed the proposal.
The application stated that traffic and parking would not be significantly affected because most children attending would live within walking distance.
According to the 2021 Census, Muslims make up 31.3% of Redbridge’s population, making Islam the borough’s largest religion and giving Redbridge the fourth-highest proportion of Muslim residents of any local authority in England and Wales.
