A proposal to turn two empty shops into a Muslim community centre has divided opinion.

Woodford Muslim Cultural Centre (WMCC) wants to convert the former hairdressers and sweet shop in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, but has previously been denied permission three times.

The plans combine the centre with prayer facilities, which would be open between 7am and 10pm, seven days a week.

The previous bids by the charity were rejected over the loss of retail units.

A total of 59 objections to the proposal have been submitted to the council, citing the loss of shops and parking, while a petition in support of the plan has attracted 102 signatures.

The deadline for making representations is December 5. 

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday