A MUSLIM group has been banned from holding prayer meetings in former public toilet.

The Muslim Asian Cultural Centre (MACC) group has been using the building in Crownfield Road, Leytonstone, as a place of worship without permission.

Residents say their lives have been disrupted by parking problems and large numbers of people gathering outside the building every day.

Waltham Forest Council has now issued an order banning the meetings and submitted an enforcement notice instructing MACC to reverse any alterations it has made to the building.

People living in Gilbert Street, which is adjacent to the rear of the building, have welcomed the move.

Shae Clarke, 19, of Glbert Street, said: “I think it is wrong to turn something into a religious place without telling anyone nearby they are going to do it, so I am pleased the council is doing something about it.

“They use the prayer room all day, from early in the morning until late at night.

“The parking is terrible and sometimes there are 30 or 40 people stood outside our house.”

Another resident, Katie Bush, 17, said: “I am out most of the day working but if I was around I think it would bother me.

“There are people often around outside the building. “I don't think there is any need for it, as there is a mosque on Leyton High Road.”

Pamela Donoghue, whose husband William has previously spoken out against the plans, said: “We don't feel there needs to be a place of worship here and we are concerned about any extensions to the building.”

The MACC was denied planning permission in 2008 to build a three-storey community centre on the site with a prayer room and capacity for 90 people.

Council officers decided the development would have a “serious detrimental impact” on the surrounding area, including increased noise and traffic, as it would be too large.

The Guardian has been unable to contact MACC.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter