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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