A special planning meeting will be held to discuss the future of a controversial mosque development.

Last night the Regional Planning Committee West discussed how the planning application of the mosque development in Mulberry Way, South Woodford, should be determined.

With over 288 objections to the application already, it was decided that a special meeting should take place in Sir James Hawkey Hall, Woodford Green, to accommodate all those wishing to observe proceedings.

An application was submitted in September to demolish the existing mosque on Mulberry Way and create a new three-storey building comprising of a prayer room, a community hall and four residential flats.

But local residents have raised objections due to the height of the proposed building and possible congestion in surrounding roads.

Cllr Ian Bond raised concerns that councillors living far away from the proposal were making important decisions about an area they do not live in.

He said: “Councillors who know the area better should get to make the decision."

A date has yet to be decided but it will before the next official planning committee meeting on November 25.