Plans to expand Fowlmere church uses are approved

THE PARISH COUNCIL SAID THE VILLAGE HAD 'LOST MANY SHOPS' AND IT WAS 'KEEN TO REVERSE THIS'

- By HANNAH BROWN Local democracy reporter

DIVISIVE plans to widen the use of a Grade-II listed village church have been approved.

Proposals to expand the number of potential uses for the church in Chapel Lane, Fowlmere, were put forward by Fowlmere Parish Council.

The church was previously used by the congregation of the United Reformed Church and has also been used by a village preschool.

The parish council said it wanted to preserve the old building and reverse the decline of village shops and facilities.

The plans divided views in the village with 22 formal objections lodged and 19 comments made in support.

Deborah Roberts told councillors at a South Cambridgeshire District Council planning committee meeting last Wednesday (October 8) that the increased use of the church was "bound to increase traffic and noise nuisance".

She also argued the village was already "well served" for facilities to hold social, recreational and cultural events with the existing village hall.