Religious leader's plea to dismantle a closed-down church for three years is turned down
In the heart of Canterbury, a debate has arisen over the future of St. Gabriel's Mormon church. Built in the 1930s, the corrugated iron structure has fallen into disrepair, with a mouldy and leaking roof, chipped and faded paintwork, and an unkempt garden. The church has remained closed for three years due to lack of demand for its services, leading some to describe it as an "eyesore".
The Parochial Church Council sought to sell the church, requiring planning permission due to its "most logical and valuable use of the site". However, Canterbury City Council refused planning permission and an appeal, citing potential loss of a community facility without alternatives.
Plans for the new development on the site have been proposed, with a three-bed detached house set to replace St. Gabriel's church. The council, however, rejected planning permission to knock down the church, stating that Father Harnden failed to provide evidence of its lack of use.
Furthermore, the council ruled that Father Harnden failed to demonstrate nutrient neutrality for the development, which could harm the local Stodmarsh Nature Reserve. The limited size of the plot was also said to result in insufficient parking and amenity space, creating a cramped appearance and negatively impacting living conditions.
Despite the council's decision, it remains unclear what plans will now be made for St. Gabriel's church. The church has been described as "extremely poor" and cannot meet its Parish Share, leading some to question its purpose in the community.
As the city of Canterbury watches and waits, the future of St. Gabriel's church hangs in the balance. No specific or current planning updates are available for the church at this time.
