Church loses application to move into Lincoln warehouse

A church has been denied permission to convert a North Hykeham warehouse into its permanent home.

Alive Church had hoped that the Cromwell Tools building on Station Road would allow it to welcome a congregation of up to 200 people.

A pastor told the planning committee that church had outgrown its previous south Lincoln venue, and the conversion would allow expansion of its community projects.

However, North Kesteven District Council’s policies designated the building as a place of employment, rather than a community asset.

The application was brought after the church had tried and failed to find other suitable venues where it could hold larger events.

Pastor Dan Hargreaves told councillors: “We are looking for a home for the church’s projects. Our heart is to bless and serve the local community.

“North Hykeham residents told us their three biggest needs were loneliness, mental health, youth provision – this would tick all of those boxes.”

The church runs a food bank, youth groups, family fun days and a night light café for anyone struggling, and also plans to open warm banks.

Alive Church South is currently based in the Showroom on Tritton Road in Lincoln

Council officers had recommended the plans were approved, saying “the loss of single commercial unit wouldn’t undermine LN6 being a vibrant, vital economic area for North Kesteven and Lincoln.”

Minor alterations were sought to the building to turn the existing warehouse into an auditorium. The church would have created around three new jobs.

However, Councillor Ian Carrington (Conservative), who seconded the motion to refuse plans, said: “I have total respect for the good works that the church does. However, they don’t allow us to set our planning policies to one side without very good reason.”

Councillor Marianne Overton MBE (NK Independents) argued that this was outweighed by the fact that “the church would bring significant benefits to the community.”

There was also concern about the potential noise being generated by large events, despite assurances that planning officers had carried out tests.

The foyer would also have been modified to reduce the noise spilling out.

Councillor Richard Johnston (Independent) said: “A raucous wedding with music until midnight hasn’t been tested for noise. We also have to consider 200 car-bound people trying to get access to the car park in a hugely congested area of Hykeham.

“It’s questionable how beneficial this is for the community, and it blocks the building for future employment use.”

The final vote was eight against four to refuse the plans.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Richard Johnston is a Conservative councillor. He is an elected Independent Councillor for Skellingthorpe on North Kesteven District Council. The story has been edited to reflect that.