Redbridge Council has rejected the planning application for Jewish Care’s proposed £22 million redevelopment of its local community centre, citing concerns over green belt development and loss of sports facilities.

“This is obviously a setback,” said Ian Grimes, Jewish Care’s property director. “However, we are determined to find a way to work with the council to address their concerns — and to submit a revised application.”

It was not the first time a Jewish Care planning application had been rejected at first submission. “The good news is that in the past, we have managed to gain consent when plans were resubmitted. We remain 100 per cent committed to this development.”

The charity points out that development on green belt land is permitted where special circumstances are demonstrated. “These could include housing and or social care needs. We will be undertaking further work to prove to Redbridge the demand for culturally sensitive housing and social care services in the borough.”

A meeting with senior Redbridge planners has been requested.

Building work had been due to start in March 2018 and it is anticipated that the planning setback will mean a delay of at least six months.