PLANS to refurbish and extend Radlett United Synagogue, in Watling Street, were unanimously approved last week.

The £1.75m project, which will integrate the former Radlett Village Hall with a neighbouring house owned by the synagogue, went before the Hertsmere planning committee on Thursday, October 6.

Councillors voted in favour of the proposals, which will provide new classrooms, cloakrooms and disabled facilities.

However, the community still needs to raise £750,000 before work can start.

Speaking to the Jewish Chronicle newspaper, synagogue chair Andy Katz said: “For many years, we have got by, accepting what are inappropriate and inadequate facilities to pray, to meet, to learn and to socialise.

“This will be the first time in the history of the Radlett community that we will have a purpose-built facility."

The application to extend the synagogue attracted almost 50 letters of objection from local people, however 89 letters of support were also registered.