A drawing of the proposed mosque in South Woodford.
The plan to demolish the existing South Woodford Community Centre Mosque, in Mulberry Way, and erect a three-storey building was originally rejected by Redbridge council's planning committee, which received 300 objections.
It concluded the proposal by Qu’rani Murkaz Trust (QMT) for a ground floor prayer room, a community hall on the first floor and four residential flats on the second floor was too large for the area.
A revised proposal, which scaled down the design slightly, was rejected by committee again on the same grounds, but an appeal was launched.
While dismissing the claim that the privacy of neighbours would be affected by the new mosque, the planning inspector, listed as Mr Marshall, said the design was "overdominant and intrusive".
The report said: “The existing building is of no great design merit.
“The proposed building would be of a better design and materials and would have attractive detailing.
“It would though be a much more substantial and bulky building notwithstanding being sunken slightly into the ground.
"From certain viewpoints looking from the south its bulk and height, combined with its plot coverage, would make it appear over-dominant and intrusive seen in conjunction with the much smaller scale neighbouring residential development.
“There would thus be harm to the character and appearance of the area.”
The trust has been contacted for comment
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