A strictly Orthodox Stamford Hill school has won its battle against closure after Hackney Council ruled that it was operating illegally.

The Satmar boys� primary, Torah V�Yirah, has been open since 2009 and has nearly 300 pupils. Last November, the council served an enforcement notice against the continued use of the Amhurst Park premises as a school. Around 300 community members turned up in support when its appeal was heard last month.

Torah V�Yirah applied for retrospective planning permission for a three-storey school on the site. Neighbors have strongly opposed the scheme and the original Hackney planning decision cited an �unacceptable increase in noise and disturbance� and a �poor detailed design�.

However, the government�s Planning Inspectorate � which has the final say in planning matters � has given consent for the building work. Restrictions have been placed on Sunday opening times and outdoor play.

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