Agenda item

Description of application - Change of use of existing car garage and repair workshop (B1(C)) to church use (D1).

Oral representations in objection to and in support of the application were received.  Oral representations from Ward Member, Councillor  Michael Tickner, in objection to the application were received at the meeting.

It was reported that many objections to the application had been received together with a letter from Beckenham Methodist Church that had been circulated to Members.

Councillor Ticker was concerned at the potential loss of a small independent business and highlighted the lack of parking in the area. Councillor Russell Mellor also had concerns with the loss of a small unit and the effect on the local economy and referred to Policy EMP5.  He appreciated that the Church owned the land and proposed to use the space for storage but felt it was important to support local business.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the reason set out in the report of the Chief Planner.