The planning inspector has today decided that this is not a suitable site for a church and has allowed 6 months for them to cease using this building as a church.
Despite mitigating measures, the quantum of the evidence suggests that the development carried out is detrimental to nearby residents’ living conditions, because of the site’s proximity to residential properties. This is due to the unacceptable levels of noise caused by the use of the building as a place of worship.
In addition to this, the use of the property as a place of worship increases kerbside parking thereby harming local amenities. Much is said about the lack of empirical evidence, but the Council’s opposition to the development is supported by local residents and the Forest Hill Society. These concerns are genuine planning objections, and I have found that the development conflicts with development plan policies.