The leader of a church operating from a former newsagents in Luton has defended the congregation’s decision to begin worship services at the site before securing planning approval.Bolatito Lizzy, who leads the Ona Iwa Mimo Cherubim & Seraphim Church of Nigeria, Mountain of Joy, said the congregation acted under the belief that the property could legally be used for religious activities.
The church began operating from 49 High Street, Luton, Chatham, in February after relocating from another nearby venue. However, it later emerged that a change of use application was required before the premises could officially function as a place of worship.
According to Ms Lizzy, the misunderstanding arose from information provided when the property was leased.”We needed a new location after leaving our previous premises,” she explained. “The building had been vacant since 2019, and we were informed that its existing commercial classification would allow us to use it as a church.
“She said the congregation was contacted by Medway Council during its second week at the property and informed that the use classification might not be suitable for religious activities.”We met with a council officer who said further checks were needed.
Once we were later advised that a change of use application was required, we submitted one immediately,” Ms Lizzy said.The church formally applied on April 23 to change the building’s use from a Class E retail premises to a Class F1 place of worship or religious instruction.Medway Council has indicated that it will assess the planning application before deciding whether any planning breach has occurred.
The proposal has attracted opposition from local residents, with seven objections submitted. Concerns raised include increased traffic, parking pressures and noise associated with worship services.Among those objecting is ward councillor Joanne Howcroft-Scott, while residents have also complained about music and congregation-related activity.One resident, Keiley Leigh, said neighbours had experienced disturbances during services.
She argued that worship gatherings could lead to amplified sound, increased activity around the premises, and disruptions to residents’ enjoyment of their homes.While acknowledging the importance of faith organisations within communities, objectors have questioned whether the location is suitable for church activities, citing its proximity to residential properties and limited parking facilities.
Some residents have also expressed concern that the church began using the premises before obtaining the necessary planning permission.Ms Lizzy, however, believes the concerns have been overstated.She noted that services are held only for limited periods, typically from 11am to 2.30pm on Sundays and from 10am to midday on Fridays.
“I don’t understand why there are complaints about traffic or noise when our activities take place for only a few hours each week,” she said.She also said the church has faced criticism online, including comments on its social media pages and photographs being taken of members.
“All we wanted was a suitable place to worship, and this seemed like a good way to bring an empty building back into use,” she added.Addressing parking concerns, Ms Lizzy said the property has two parking spaces at the rear, while additional public parking is available nearby behind the library. She also noted that many members travel by public transport.
“We understand the concerns that have been raised and are committed to working positively with both the community and the council,” she said.Medway Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the application by June 18.
