The second bid for a £4m extension at Locks Heath Free Church will be judged by Fareham Borough Council’s planning committee this week.
Clik here to view.
A street view of the proposed extension to Locks Heath Free Church
The church’s bid to build a 400-seat auditorium as part of the extension in Titchfield Common has been recommended by planning officers for permission to be granted.
Fareham councillors refused permission for the original application in July 2012 despite a recommendation that permission be granted then as well.
Senior Minister Mark Madavan said they had addressed parking issues and fears that it could be used as a conference facility.
“We’re happy that they have recommended it for approval again,” he said. “We heard what they said last time and, although we did not agree with, it we have sought to try to address the issues head on.
“There were worries that it was a commercial venture. We will not be running commercial events here. It’s for the church and the community only.
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The graphic impression of the Locks heath Free Church planned extension including the extra on-site car parking to the right
“We’re always making efforts to minimise noise. We don’t want to be a nuisance to the neighbours. Kids in the area who don’t come into the church and are hanging around are noisy. We’ve even had to call the police ourselves a few times in the past about that.
“We understand if people do not like the extension and we’ve sought to try to address those issues.”
Mr Madavan said residents and councillors positively responded to the Hunts Pond Road church extension – which will include 152 extra on-site car parking spaces, alongside the 88 current spaces - at a two-day exhibition of the new plans.
The planning meeting where the decision will be made will take place at the Civic Offices in Fareham tomorrow (September 24).
