The applicant behind plans for a new religious education centre in Keighley is appealing against a decision to reject the proposals.

Keighley & Shipley Area Planning Panel voted in June to refuse an application submitted for the Reg Thompson car dealership in Bridge Street, Damside.

A group called Al Hidaayah Foundation wanted to turn the existing two-storey building into an Islamic education facility.

Proposals met with 16 objections, including opposition from the Bangladeshi Islamic Association in nearby Temple Row.

The foundation appealed to the national Planning Inspectorate last month, arguing its application would make appropriate and viable use of the site.

In its appeal statement, the foundation argues: “As there are no physical alterations proposed to the property, it is difficult to see how the application will adversely affect local residents, or indeed other commercial uses.

“Presently, the foundation operates from a former residential property in a dense residential area, and it has co-existed without creating any conflict or adverse impact upon those local residents.”

The statement added the land earmarked for the education centre was easily accessible and included an adequate number of parking spaces.

A spokesman for the applicant’s agent said the appeal was only lodged about three weeks ago, and it could take five to six months for a decision to be made.

The Reg Thompson car dealership has previously said it would relocate locally if plans for the Islamic education centre are approved.