Plans for former church under spotlight

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert the former United Reformed Church in Gorleston into four flats and five terraced houses will go back before the borough council next week.

Branded an “ill advised development” by opponents, the scheme was originally approved by members of the development control committee in July. However, several local residents who opposed the application raised concerns with the council that they were not given enough time to prepare a case against the application and it was decided to bring the application back before the committee.

The scheme, on Back Chapel Lane/Garnham Road, sparked fierce criticism from neighbours who said the development would cause a string of problems such as parking, traffic and loss of privacy.

Breitling Homes wants to develop five three-bedroom houses and a mix of one two and three bedroom flats and car parking on the site and planning officers have again recommended the scheme for approval.

At the July meeting residents raised concerns over the possible presence of graves and memorials in the church, something which had not been touched on in the planning officers' report. However, since that meeting the United Reformed Church has confirmed that they are not aware of any burials on the site.

Norfolk Landscape Archaeology has given its response to the scheme saying if approved the application should carry conditions that no development work is carried out until an archaeological examination of the site takes place.

Ken Hamilton, head of archaeological planning, said Gorleston in fact pre-dates Great Yarmouth and is designated as an area of archaeological interest.

The church closed its doors to worshipers 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 meeting takes place at the Kings Centre, Queen Anne's Road, Yarmouth, at 6pm on Tuesday .