A former British Legion club in Cranford that was being used without planning permission as a mosque has been given the green light to continue as a place of worship.

Permission has previously been sought twice from Hounslow Council for the premises in Park Lane to be used as a religious venue but refused because of concerns about an increase in traffic in the road, particularly during Friday prayer meetings, and lack of parking spaces.

Six months ago the trustees were given a six-month stay of execution to sort the traffic problems out.

Mark Pender, planning consultant for the mosque’s trustees, admitted to the borough’s sutainable development committee at its meeting last Monday that in July 2005 the building was being used as a place of worship without planning permission and this led to complaints to the council of a breach of planning control.

In August, Heston and Cranford area committee acknowledged that the mosque would enhance facilities for the Muslim community but said there was also a need to protect the surrounding area from additional traffic and parking.

Cathy Gallagher, head of development at Hounslow Council, told the sustainable development meeting: “It is a poorly accessible site but we would expect the area to have an adequate travel plan.

“The one area of main concern is Friday prayer meetings which have now been split into two sessions.

“There is also a travel plan which has been provided which helps to reduce car usage, traffic congestion and the demand for limited parking spaces.

“It is a robust travel plan and we are recommending approval.”

Councillor Barbara Reid, lead member for environment and planning said: “I am going to support the application with trepidation. I have experienced mosque activity in my ward but I am happy in principle.

“However, we must ensure the legal agreement is watertight otherwise it is just not going to work.”