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Plan for former church in Lynsted Lane, Lynsted, Sittingbourne, to be converted into home
11:53, 24 February 2023
updated: 12:01, 24 February 2023
A vacant village church could be turned into a three-bedroom home.
If approved, Greenstreet Methodist Church in Lynsted Lane, Lynsted, would be converted into a home for five people.
The detached, two-storey church has been empty for for around three years.
Planning documents outline plans for minor alterations, both to the layout and exterior of the building, to be made.
Four side roof lights, a door to the side of the building, a new bike shed and bin store, as well as parking would also be installed.
The property next to the church was previously known as The School House and was a school building used by Greenstreet Methodist Church.
It has now been converted into residential dwellings.
A design statement for the plans said: "The proposal would bring back a vacant building into a beneficial use that is fully in keeping with the residential character of Lynsted Lane."
The potential development drew some objections from neighbours.
Christine Smith, who lives nearby, explained she had no objection to the building being turned into a home, but was concerned about parking in the area.
She said: "There will be insufficient space for vehicles in either property to turn, in regards to the current plans, making access to and from both properties impossible.
"If parking is made difficult for either property it will make both properties unappealing to any prospective buyers."
You can view the plans here with reference 23/500601/FULL.
Similarly, Fran Stuart, of Lynsted Lane, wasn't objecting to the property being built but rather the impact it could have on parking or nearby homes.
She added: "The proposed location of bin store allows less than six foot for vehicles to pass. The drive is too narrow to put the bin store here.
"There is insufficient space for vehicles in either property to turn, making vehicular access to and from both properties impossible."
Miss Stuart and Mrs Smith also highlighted concerns about protected bats possibly being in the church.
Miss Stuart commented: "It is worth noting that there are currently bats living in the church and slow worms in the untended and grassed areas of the church car park."
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