THE future of a social club that could be turned into an Islamic education centre and place of worship is set to be decided by the council.

Planning officers have recommended Slough Borough Council's (SBC) planning committee refuse an application to change the use of Langley Village Club, in Cheviot Road, from a licensed members social club into an Islamic community and teaching centre.

The decision will be made at a planning meeting on Wednesday (9) after the proposals were submitted on September 25 by an Islamic group, Dawat-e-Islami.

More than 250 Langley residents have signed a petition against the plans.

Robert Plimmer, councillor for the Foxborough Ward, said: "Residents main concerns are about adding to parking and traffic problems on a street where there is a school and a health centre." There are 35 parking spaces available in the Langley Village Club site.

The applicants claimed '90% of people will walk to this site' as 'this establishment is for the local residents', but planning officers called this 'unrealistic'.

A letter alongside the original application said it would be used as an 'education centre and community facility', which would host children's education classes, a ladies' study circle, adult study classes and language courses.

However the proposal was changed after it became apparent the first floor would be converted into a dedicated prayer hall.