Cardiff 'noisy worshippers' chapel plan turned down

The plans were submitted for 58-62 Cowbridge Road West

Plans to create a new chapel in Cardiff have been turned down because of fears worshippers could be too noisy.

Winners Chapel International Cardiff wanted to turn a two-storey office in Ely into a chapel for a congregation of about 60 people.

But a Cardiff council report raised concerns "noise and general disturbance" would affect neighbouring residents.

Councillors refused the plans at a meeting on Wednesday.

Winners Chapel International - a branch of the Living Faith Church Worldwide - wanted to change the use of a building on Cowbridge Road West.

According to the council report, it would have been in use seven days a week and would have held twice-weekly services on a Wednesday evening and Sunday morning.

It said the main services would have averaged about 60 people, peaking at 80.

'Parking will overflow'

Fifty people signed a petition against the development and both the local AM Mark Drakeford and MP Kevin Brennan objected to the plans.

In a joint letter to the planning committee, Mr Drakeford and Mr Brennan said: "We are also concerned about the impact of noise from the chapel on local residents, whose daily living experience is already significantly impacted by traffic noise from Cowbridge Road West.

"Although the supporting statement from the architects claims that nine parking spaces will be sufficient for a congregation of up to 90... it is inevitable that parking will overflow."

The council report said there were concerns "the building is not fit for purpose in terms of sound proofing and close proximity to residential properties, especially due to the nature of the worship".

Winners Chapel International was asked to comment.