A plan to replace an MOT centre with a religious school is up for approval by the council in spite of opposition from another MOT centre next door.

Al Masjid Al Aqsa, a mosque on Gilnow Road, applied for planning permission for the site of Gilnow Service Centre some two and a half years ago.

Currently its madrassa, a term for a Muslim educational establishment responsible for religious instruction, is within Al Masjid Al Aqsa itself. The mosque has a plan to replace the MOT centre with a religious school to prevent clashes between this use and its use as a place of prayer.

However there is opposition from another MOT centre next door, which said its business is at risk, as well as from a small number of residents.

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The business said: "If this building is moved any further than where it is at present, this MOT station cannot operate legally because it cannot meet the requirements for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The proposed plans leave 3.5m between the MOT station and the building, whereas the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency require 8m. 

"Attempts have been made to negotiate with the mosque but have failed. This is three families' livelihoods."

A report for consideration by the planning committee suggests the advantages of the application outweigh the disadvantages of the application.

The planning committee is recommended to approve the proposal when it meets at the town hall this week.

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A report said: "Officers are of the view if a neighbouring business has historically used land which is not in their ownership in order to facilitate the operation of their business, then this is not a matter for the planning system to resolve, they are private matters between landowners. 

"Irrespective of the result of this application the applicant could construct a two-metre wall on their property, preventing the use by a neighbouring business, without needing planning permission. It is not considered this issue is capable of forming a sound reason for refusal or for amendment nor should the council intervene in private matters of land ownership. 

The Planning Committee meets at the town hall on  Thursday, February 1.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.