REVISED plans to turn a former Gorleston church into four flats and five terrace houses are poised to be approved, despite heavy opposition from neighbours.
REVISED plans to turn a former Gorleston church into four flats and five terrace houses are poised to be approved, despite heavy opposition from neighbours.
Six residents have objected to plans by Breitling Homes for the scheme at the former United Reformed Church, on Back Chapel Lane, raising concerns over parking, refuse collection and loss of privacy.
A similar proposal to convert the church and build six terrace houses on the site was submitted to the borough council in March but applicants withdrew plans to address concerns of residents following strong opposition.
The revised scheme would consist of five three-bedroom houses and a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats and a car parking.
And despite changes residents are still concerned about the impact the development would have on
parking in the area, which according to one objector is already in “demand”.
Residents had also raised concerns about drainage but Anglian Water say the system in the area could cope with the development and the borough council reckons it will not have a problem servicing the new homes in terms of refuse collection.
Planning officers say developers have “carefully considered” the conversion of the church, retaining its existing features. They also point out that 12 off-road parking spaces will be created for the new site.
The church closed its doors to worshippers in July last year, blaming a dwindling congregation for its demise. It was established in 1812 and had a long history of serving the local and visiting fishing community.
The application will be discussed at the town hall on Tuesday at 6pm by the development control committee.
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