Colchester New Church has houses plan rejected by council

A declining in person congregation had begun to instead worship via video conferences online, leaving Colchester New Church’s base "redundant".

It sparked the church’s executive committee to submit plans to knock the building in Maldon Road down and build three properties in its wake.

But Colchester Council’s planning committee threw out the proposal, stating the loss of an asset which provides a space for activities would be a blow for the community.

Relief - councillor Sam McLean welcomed a decision to refuse plans to demolish Colchester New Church (Image: Sam McLean)

It came despite a planning statement claiming “there are now very few social events held in the church” due to its small membership and “lack of volunteer manpower” to facilitate events.

It added: “There has been a noticeable and persistent rate of decline in the use of the church building during the 21st century.”

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our court and crime newsletter here.

The report reveals an in person Sunday worship service last year was attended by between ten and 20 people, with a similar number tuning in over the internet.

The building was consecrated in August 1924 and the majority of its trustees serving on the executive committee are now aged in their 70s.

Blueprints - three houses would have been built in the wake of the church (Image: Sam McLean)

Further concerns were raised about there being nobody in line to replace any of them should their position become vacant.

“Given the decline in demand for in-person attendance to the church, the movement to an online-based congregation and lack of interest for venue hire, the church building has been rendered largely redundant,” the report concludes.

More on planning in Colchester: Fury as council's green space project is branded 'civic vandalism' and 'greenwashing'

The appeal fell on deaf ears among the council’s planning bosses, who said the development would result in the loss of a community facility.

Vision - Colchester New Church (Image: Sam McLean)

The decision has been welcomed by New Town and Christ Church councillor Sam McLean.

He said: “I’m proud that this community asset has been protected and is a perfect demonstration of why the Local Plan had to be adopted.

“It protects Colchester from poor speculative development from developers looking to maximise their profit margins at the expense of quality and local community facilities, infrastructure and community spirit.”

We passionately believe in providing unrivalled quality journalism and value for money.

With a digital subscription, you can access our exclusive, insightful and trustworthy local news from just £1 a week.

If you are not already subscribing, sign up today to get instant access to our trusted local coverage - and an ad-light experience - check what package works best for you here.