PROPOSALS for a new Jewish study centre, or ‘Kollel’ could be given the green light by planning chiefs next week.

An application to extend a two-storey house in Bury Old Road, Prestwich and allow it to be used as a facility for post-graduate rabbinical studies.

The Kollel Heichal Hatorah institute attracts students from around the world and to date has used rental accommodation, including the Beis Hamedrash Shaarei Mordechai synagogue.

The organisation, which has more than 31 students and three staff and wants to own its own premises.

An application made last year was refused on the grounds that the size of the extension was out of scale with the surrounding area.

Other factors in the decision were that noise and disturbance and activities connected with its use would have a “seriously detrimental impact” on the adjoining property and those at the rear.

And objections over vehicle access and parking have again been made by concerned residents.

Daniel Clayhills, of Dellcot Close, said: "The Kollel itself is not the main concern, however the vehicular access and parking is. The vehicular access is parallel with that to Dellcot Close.

"In Dellcot Close there are currently six families consisting of 25 children, 12 adults and around 14 motor vehicles. We are not convinced the plans ensure the safety of all persons living in the area, but believe it poses a real risk of collisions involving both motorists and pedestrians."

Mr Gidon Stemmer, of Bury Old Road, also made a representation to the council.

He said: "This proposal will mean having 20-30 men (students and teachers) in the area six days a week. They will all have large families, and will all be driving large 'people-carrier' cars.

"With the best will in the world, on-site they will park a maximum of two or three, and the rest will spill over to the nearest available - that being the road in front of our shops."

Mr Stemmer continued: "We oppose the application unless the council also implements a far more rigorous and monitored parking scheme for our road."

But officers are now recommending the committee approves the new scheme due to changes to the original proposals.

These include extending the building to the side and rear in the form of a part two storey/part single storey extension, the removal of a residential unit at first floor level and the rearrangement of the previous layout to include a study hall on the ground floor and a library and office above.

The officers report also notes that “Importantly, further information has also been submitted with regard to the nature of the use, noise impact on neighbours. A travel plan has also been submitted, detailing measures to encourage sustainable forms of transport relating to the proposal and students involved.”

The proposed access and parking proposals similar to the previous scheme, including closing the existing access on the corner, there are changes proposed within the new scheme.

But officers say the new plan is “acceptable and complies with policies” provided the travel plan and noise mitigation measures are implemented.