MORE than 160 residents have signed a petition backing the proposed conversion of a ground-floor flat into a synagogue.

The flat in Hale Lane, Edgware, is already being used as a synagogue, despite being ordered to close, and Rabbi Godlewski has submitted planning application to formally change its use to allow it to stay open.

The application has been backed by dozens of letters, including one from ward councillor Brian Gordon, and a petition with 161 signatures.

A previous planning application was rejected by Barnet Council because it was felt that it would be an “over-intensive use” of the building and it is in a residential area.

An enforcement notice was subsequently served in April 2007, which should have forced the synagogue to close, but it has not and is the subject of “continuing investigation”, according to council papers.

Residents opposing the application claim people have been worshipping in the garage and the synagogue causes parking problems.

The application will go before a planning sub-committee on Tuesday and officers have recommended it is approved.