AN Islamic education group has applied for permission to open a girls school in Leytonstone's former police station.

The Azhar Academy wants to use the site as an extension to its existing secondary school in Forest Gate.

It also wants to build a single storey extension and hall to the rear of the High Road building.

The police station closed nearly four years ago and has been empty ever since, although it has been occupied by squatters on several occasions.

The academy has revealed on its website that it bought the site from the Metropolitan Police Authority for £950,000 after "negotiating down" the price.

The organisation, which was founded in 1996, says its aim is to create a better understanding of Islam among both Muslims and the wider community in London.

A statement on its website said: "After much deliberation and consultation, it has been decided that this site will serve as an extension to our girls school [in Forest Gate].

"Every year we have been receiving between 130 and 150 applications for the Year seven entrance tests, parents being fully aware that we can only offer a maximum of 56 spaces per year.

"Many parents don’t even apply knowing the remoteness of the chance of their daughter(s) gaining admission.

"Our plan is to increase the number of forms per year depending on how much classroom space is achieved on the new site.

"We are hoping at this stage to have Years 7, 8 and 9 accommodated at the Leytonstone site and the remaining years along with the sixth form at our current site."

The academy says it has received more than £1million in donations to help fund the project.

The Guardian is awaiting further information.

A planning application for the project has been submitted to Waltham Forest Council and residents have until Monday November 7 to submit comments.

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