A CONTROVERSIAL plan to rebuild a mosque has been withdrawn just hours before it was due to be debated by councillors.

The Qur’ani Murkuz Trust's (QMT) plans to rebuild its mosque in Mulberry Way, South Woodford were due to be discussed at Redbridge Council’s regulatory committee last night (Wednesday, July 27).

But the application was pulled from the meeting’s agenda less than two days before Imam Dr Mohammed Fahim and his colleagues planned to discuss plans further with members of the committee.

QMT has faced continued delays in its quest to build a new mosque in South Woodford, with two planning applications already being rejected by the council.

The application to demolish the existing building in Mulberry Way and build a “double-storey part three-storey place of worship and community centre” has been met with fierce opposition by neighbouring residents.

The trust’s last application received over 300 objections, expressing fears about excessive noise and pressure on parking.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said: "The application has been withdrawn to allow further discussion with the applicant."