A controversial scheme to use a house in Hadley for Islamic teaching sessions for up to 70 youngsters has been refused planning permission.
The Al-Huda Trust, which has been operating without sanction, applied for restrospective planning permission for a religious after-school club in a semi detached property at 139 Crescent Road.
But last week’s Telford & Wrekin plans board refused its application.
The applicants 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.
The plans board refused the application on the grounds that it would create extra traffic and disturbances for neighbours.
Councillors also objected to the proposal on the grounds that the house was not big enough to accommodate 70 children.
Councillor Joy Francis said that although she supported the idea of the after-school club, it was in the wrong location.
She said: “I do think that it is a marvelous idea but I know alot of after-school clubs have to be regulated by Ofsted and I don’t think that they would sanction more than 40 pupils at one time.”
Councillor Malcolm Smith added: “I think a facility of this type is desperately needed across Telford, but my concern is that there are only two exits and two toilets to cater for over 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.”
The council received almost 70 letters in support but there were objections from Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council and 12 objections from residents upset at what they called a money-making business causing disruption and harm to the area’s character.
Councillor Keith Austin said he accepted permission should have been sought but refusing it now would cause severe problems.
He suggested granting permission with a limit on the number of children who could attend the centre at any one time or a trial period of around eighteen months.
Councillors voted 4-2 against granting planning permission for the proposal.