Plan for church in old soft play centre rejected

There was a raft of letters about the plans for the vacant building, some in favour, some against

Plans to open a church inside a vacant soft play centre have been rejected over concerns about parking.

The Lighthouse Church had applied to bring worshippers to the former Kids R Us play centre in South Ockendon, Essex.

A raft of letters both supporting and opposing the development were sent to Thurrock Council, whose planning officers turned it down.

They ruled a lack of adequate parking would cause cars to "unacceptably migrate onto the adjacent highway" in Arisdale Avenue.

According to planning documents, the church held its existing services at the Vue cinema in Thurrock.

'Unacceptable noise'

The council received 39 nine letters of opposition to the plans, with concerns raised including a lack of parking along with extra noise and disruption, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One resident of Arisdale Avenue, said: "With the place of worship set to reach a capacity of up to 150 people, this will result in an unacceptable level of noise and disruption to a quiet residential place.

"This would be due to the large gatherings, music, amplified sounds and extended hours of activity."

Thurrock Council also raised concerns about noise coming from the church

However, 22 people supported the idea, with some saying it would bring the community together.

One supporter said: "I believe this is a good use of the building given the failed previous business which was not viable."

Rejecting the plans, Thurrock Council said the site did not provide an "adequate level of off-street parking".

It added: "The proposal would result in an increased activity at the site.

"An intensification of the use would result in additional levels of noise, disturbance and disruption to surrounding residential occupiers."