York office building could be converted into church

Plans lodged with City of York Council would see the Saville Group offices in Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton converted to house the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Hope Centre Church.

The application stated the church would host a congregation of about 130 worshippers at peak times on Sunday mornings.

It added measures would be taken to ensure neighbours are not disturbed by the noise from services.

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The RCCG Hope Centre Church, a Pentecostal denomination, has branches in York and Crewe.

Plans stated the church would be in an area of mainly commercial and industrial buildings.

It is opposite Manor CE Academy secondary school.

The church would be used for prayer meetings, worship, community gatherings, educational and pastoral activities and administrative functions, with office space provided for staff.

No changes are proposed to the building itself.

The church has pledged to keep the noise down during its services (Image: congerdesign from pixabay)

A total of 30 onsite parking spaces, including two disabled bays, would cater for around 25 vehicles expected to travel to and from its services.

A further 20 on-street spaces are also available nearby.

Plans stated doors and windows would remain closed during services so amplified noise could not be heard by the building’s neighbours.

The application said: “The proposed place of worship will be operated in a responsible manner so as to protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers and avoid noise disturbance.

“No external public address system, loudspeaker, amplified music, musical performance or congregation activity is proposed.”