A mosque expansion has been recommended for approval.

The International Muslim Movement (IMM) is seeking permission to add an extra floor to its two-storey building on the corner of East Avenue and St Mary Road in Walthamstow Village.

Plans for an extension at the site, to accommodate a cultural centre, were originally approved in 2008.

Work started in 2011 but was then halted mid-construction when Waltham Forest Council complained that the extension was higher than previously agreed.

The IMM submitted the tweaked plans last summer, and they now look set to be approved at a planning meeting on Tuesday after council officers said in a report that the scheme should be rubber stamped.

The proposed extension will include a library, reading rooms and accommodation for an imam, while facilities in the rest of the building will be re-arranged.

A new basement is also planned.

A council consultation resulted in 18 letters of objection, including from the Walthamstow Village Residents Association and the Walthamstow Spiritualist Church.

They criticised the plans over issues such as the bulk of the building, the impact on parking and expressed fears it could lower property prices in the area.

But council offices have expressed doubt about the impact on parking, saying most users of the mosque travel there by foot.

A council report also says Walthamstow Village will benefit from the works.

It states: "Overall, the scheme is considered to be one that will enhance the building, add variety and interest to the street scene and provide an appropriate context for the adjacent Conservation Areas."