Gospel hall plans are rejected

Planning bosses have rejected proposals for a Gospel Hall in a mid Norfolk village amid concerns about the building's design.

Breckland Councillors told Swaffham Gospel Hall Trust - the applicants for the development at Ashill near Swaffham - that they were not opposed to the principle of a new Christian centre in the village.

However, they insisted that a new application can be re-submitted providing developers review the design of the construction.

The application which was rejected by the authority's planning committee yesterday sought full permission for the building which made provisions for a ventilation system, but no windows.

Chairing the committee, Councillor Elizabeth Gould told applicants that the design should be in line with green guidelines. She also pointed out that the building should at least make provisions for some rooflights.

The development includes plans for a meeting hall, a foyer, toilets and store. The design included plans for 21 off-road parking spaces with access to the site via the existing access which adjoins Watton Road.

The proposed construction on a former caravan site at Cressingham Road had met strong objections from Ashill Parish Council.

It said it was outside the planning envelope of the village and the entrance off the B1077 was close to a dangerous bend.

It also claimed there was already too much traffic coming into the village on Sundays using the church and Evangelical meeting hall and that the area would be spoilt by another hall.

A further concern was from residents at the Lodge Care Home opposite being disturbed at 6am on a Sunday morning.

Other objections from the general public included concerns about trees on the site, the look of the area, lighting, drainage, pedestrian access and the devaluation of property.

Highways and planning officers had not objected to the scheme.

Swaffham Gospel Hall Trust are expected to submit a revised planning application shortly.