First planning application to be heard under new system
The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Stamford Brook Road is to expand its premises, following approval from Chiswick councillors under a new procedure.
Their application to re-order the church and add extra useable space was 'called in' by local Councillor Gerald McGregor (Cons) as part of a new system that allows councillors to pose questions using the ' call in' procedure.
Cllr Mc Gregor said; "The new 'call in' procedure allows a greater degree of dialogue and enables councillors to fully recommend outcomes. In the past we relied on officers to make the case, so councillors will now have to hone up their skills in delivering similar high quality presentations”
The church had appled for additions including a two story front extension, a first floor rear extension and a second floor and new landscaping.
Local residents had objected on the grounds that this would exacerbate existing problems with traffic and parking congestion, and increase noise and disturbance from traffic and church activities.
Council planning officers felt the scheme was of an acceptable scale and design, and said that the plan was to improve facilities not increase the congregation numbers. The church Travel Plan was acceptable and had followed rigorous negociation with local residents.
The church elders, led by Pastor M. Mbui attended the Chiswick Area Forum and were questioned by Cllr. Mc Gregor on traffic, transport plans and parking arrangements. The impact on local residents of mourners at funerals who needed to park was also discussed. The church, at the top of Welstead Way, had been criticised by residents for not using the car parking facilities available 300 yards away.
In response the Pastor gave assurances that the traffic plan and prohibition notices would be adhered to by the Church.
The councillors agreed to support the planning application.
October 27, 2012
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