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A mosque looks set to have its second attempt to expand blocked after 1,000 people objected to the plans.
The Chingford Islamic Society (CIS) says some of its regular 237 worshippers are forced to pray outside on the pavement due to a lack of space at the Chingford Masjid in Chingford Mount Road, which is the only mosque in the E4 area.
The organisation is again requesting permission to expand into a neighbouring shop after an application last year was rejected on the grounds that it would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area.
The new plans are the same as the previous proposal, but include provision for bicycle parking and rear access.
The authority has received 212 objections and two petitions against the plan with a total of 799 signatures.
Opponents claim the expansion would increase traffic and parking congestion in surrounding residential streets, as well as noise disturbance.
And council offers agree and have recommended that the application is again refused.
However, 1,500 people have signed petitions in support of the move and the society say worshippers would be encouraged to cycle to the mosque and many others live nearby and would walk.
Councillor Farooq Qureshi, who represents Forest ward, has intervened to ensure the application is considered by the planning committee, rather than council officers.
The Guardian has so far been unable to contact Cllr Qureshi or CIS.
The society was given temporay permission for a mosque on the site in 2001 until it could find more suitable premises.
The latest application is set to be considered on September 12.
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