COUNCILLORS have backed plans for a house to become a meeting hall for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Romsey.

The application, by Shane Morton, is to use the house at Woodcot, Yokesford Hill.

It was approved by Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee on Tuesday September 5. 

Public concerns were raised over its service times of 6am each Sunday. The plan received four supporting comments and four objections. It also received an objection from Romsey Town Council's planning committee.

On the planning statement, it said: “The Brethren have a national objective of providing local meeting halls in close proximity to the residences of their members to reduce travel time and distance and to promote sustainability.

READ MORE: Plymouth Brethren meeting hall plans get objection from town council

“A core pillar of the Brethren’s religion is to celebrate the Lord’s supper at 6am every Sunday and this practice occurs at all local meeting halls throughout the UK, with no complaint from neighbours.

“The Brethren have a proven track record of respecting their neighbours and acting in a considerate and polite manner, particularly with regard to the early Sunday morning meetings – ensuring that arrivals and departures are conducted quietly, cars doors are closed carefully and silently, and conversation is kept to a minimum until inside the meeting hall.

“The meeting hall would be used twice a week by up to 25 people to provide a small community facility and allow longer journeys by car to be shortened, thereby providing a more sustainable solution to the needs of the Brethren.”

The application's agent Louise Cutts, of Wessex Planning Ltd, said: “The brethren have eight families in the surrounding area who would use this. After a six-year search, this was deemed to be the best option for a meeting hall. 

“They will ensure they greet fellow members inside the hall and close car doors softly. The applicant has worked hard with planning officers, so I hope you can approve this.”

Cllr Alan Dowden said: “I'm happy to support this. They are small in numbers but they do a lot of good work.”

The application was permitted unanimously.