CONTROVERSIAL plans for a shisha café in East Finchley could be turned down, after planners refused to give their backing.

The owners of Oasis Café, in Church Lane, want to extend its outdoor area so more than 40 people can smoke shisha pipes, and remove the area’s current roof.

Based in the former Alexandra pub, they have also asked Barnet Council to stay open until 1.30am on weekends and 11.30pm on weekdays.

But, following advice from the environmental health team, planning officers have now recommended the planning committee tonight (November 26) reject the application.

The move is a U-turn, after planners initially said it should be approved last month.

A council spokesman said: “Following advice from environmental health, planning officers will be recommending that members of the committee reject this planning application.”

The proposals have sparked a furious backlash from people living near the café, who fear the shisha pipes will be a health hazard to their children.

Matt Rudge, 36, of Leopold Road, told the Times Series last month: “None of the residents want these highly toxic pipes. It is going into children’s gardens where they play. The noise and disturbance of 40 plus people, it will be too much.”

Academics from as far as America and Lebanon have also voiced their opposition, and have signed a letter to the council asking them to think twice.

Michael Koutra, who is representing the owners on behalf of MSK Design, previously said: “We do have a concern over how the restaurant owner is being portrayed by the group of objectors within the community, who are failing to see that he is trying to work with everyone to make this restaurant part of the local community.”