A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert a disused factory building into a church has been thrown out by councillors at Warrington – against the advice of their own officers.
The borough council’s development control committee voted to refuse permission for the change of use of the building on Europa Boulevard, Westbrook.
Between 50-60 nearby residents attended the Town Hall meeting to oppose the scheme
They were concerned that if permission was granted for a church, with music, it would be difficult for planners to refuse consent for a nightclub should an application be made in the same area.
There were also concerns about parking and traffic problems.
The application came from Oasis Warrington – a Christian church established less than two years ago.
The committee was told the church had a growing congregation of around 120.
A small number of staff would work from the building during the day.
The plan was strongly opposed by Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council as well as residents.
They were concerned about evening and weekend use of the building, noise, traffic and parking issues and public amenity issues. But planning officers recommended the scheme be approved.
Oasis Warrington has been holding services and meetings at the Pyramid, in Warrington town centre and at Penketh High School.
But they say they need a permanent home as the congregation is likely to increase in size.
4 Comments
I was at the meeting. There were only about 10 residents opposing the scheme and about the same number who were supporting it.
What a shame that this resource to the community should be dismissed. This area has very little community space and specific areas of need which the church could have provided with no cost to the local authority.
Interesting that the planners thought it merited approval.
Obviousley not a place of worship for muslims .. they would have given them a building at a knock down price and passed it straight away
What another triumph for the “Blue Rinse Brigade” and the Westbrook NIMBYs (not in my back yard).
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)