Leighton Buzzard church applies for larger home as congregation grows

The Spirit and Truth Church currently meets at the Recreation Rooms and Mentmore Pavillion every Sunday, but this is only a temporary arrangement.

With a growing congregation, it wants a permanent premises from which to operate, and has submitted its proposals to Central Bedfordshire Council.

It wants a change of use for the two-storey ECL House in Lake Street from a commercial office space to a church and community building.

The Spirit and Truth Church currently has 63 adult members registered within its database, along with about 20 children, according to a planning statement on behalf of the organisation.

“Sunday attendance is on average around 55 adults and 12 minors, many of whom share cars as either a family or via lifts,” said the CC Town Planning analysis.

“This site includes the vacant building of ECL House and its associated outside areas, with 14 parking spaces. There are several other parking areas available within a short distance, including the Duncombe Drive car park next to the site.

“It’s been utilised as commercial office space historically, although the premises has remained empty since the pandemic. Some partition walls will be removed internally to create the desired spaces required for the applicant’s use.

“There’s no real prospect of the building being brought back into use for its permitted purpose. As such, this proposal is the only viable option for that location, without a need for extensive internal and external alterations.

“A variety of spaces are proposed at ground floor level, with a community area, a ministry room, office space, a storage room, kitchen facilities and toilets. At first floor level, there are plan for a youth area, a crèche, a worship space and a room for the ‘limitless kids group’.

“No changes are proposed externally with the exception of the entrance door becoming slightly wider to accommodate accessibility needs.” This alteration won’t materially impact the appearance of the building within the street scene, explained the report.

“It would be the first permanent premises from which the congregation would benefit, and is situated in a conservation area at the back of The Lancer pub.

“Meetings every Sunday at 10.30am will draw the most people to the building at any given time. It’s anticipated the applicant will use the premises as office space and related activity during the week, from 8am to 5pm.

“Community events would be held during the day and some evenings, although regular attendance is usually no more than 20 adults. Members are likely to visit other facilities available in the area, including shops and cafes.

“The project will support the viability of these locations within Leighton Buzzard town centre. There’s no real prospect of the site coming back into use as commercial office space.”

The local planning authority has confirmed that the proposed development is acceptable in principle, during its pre-application advice, added the report. “This site runs the risk of falling into a state of disrepair without this use, which would harm the setting of the conservation area.”

CBC’s development management committee is expected to consider the application in due course.