The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is a Christian fellowship driven by care and compassion. Members of the Church have lived and worked in the UK for nearly 200 years and we are committed to serving our local communities, including through extensive charitable and philanthropic activities.
Further information can be found on our website: www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org
There is an established congregation in the Lichfield area. However, there is currently no Gospel Hall within the local community. To meet this need, this site has been identified as an ideal location to deliver this Gospel Hall.
With the derelict site currently attracting social behaviour, the proposals will ensure that the site is used appropriately over the long-term.
The Gospel Hall also represents an important opportunity to support and enhance the extensive charitable activities delivered in Lichfield and the surrounding area.
As a public place of worship, the local community will also be able to visit the Gospel Hall. There will also be opportunities for the Hall to support local community activities.
The site was previously used as a caravan park but is now in a poor state which is attracting antisocial behaviour.
In line with local and national planning policy on bringing forward new proposals within the Green Belt, the proposals have been carefully developed in collaboration with Lichfield District Council to protect the character and openness of the site and wider Green Belt.
As a result, our proposals would ensure that the site is better used to reflect its position within the Green Belt.
In line with similar Gospel Halls around the country, five services per week are anticipated to take place. These typically fall outside of peak travel times so there is no detrimental impact on the local road network. For example, this includes evening services on weekdays, which begin after 7pm, and a regular Sunday morning service.
The Church expects to submit a planning application to Lichfield District Council by the summer of 2024. Subject to approval, the Gospel Hall is expected to take up to 12 months to deliver.
Construction of the Gospel Hall will be delivered in a manner which is responsible and respectful to the surrounding area. As part of this, a construction management plan will be agreed with Lichfield District Council to mitigate any impact on local residents and the surrounding area.
Services at the Gospel Hall will take place outside of peak travel times to ensure there is no detrimental impact on the local road network. A car park is also proposed to be situated to the south of the site to make best use of the existing access from Grange Lane, along with the current hardstanding and internal routes within the site.
A planning application has now been submitted to Lichfield District Council. The project team looks forward to the Council’s decision on this application.
