Middlesbrough Council have given the go-ahead for a new Christian place of worship to be built on Marton Road.

The proposal outlines a change of use from “commercial, business and service use” to a “place of worship” that will be directly opposite St John’s Church on the other side of the road.

The delegated report describes the site as being located at the junction of Marton Road and Russell Street at the eastern edge of the central area of Middlesbrough town centre.

The property is currently in use as a “mixed business use with café”.  There were 81 neighbour consultations which resulted in one objection from TH Flory, who said that they were speaking on behalf of “many residents and business owners of Marton Road”.(Image: Pyramid Architectural Designs)

The two main complaints were a lack of sufficient car parking as well as traffic congestion.

The objection concluded: “The place of worship will be within 150 yards of St John Middlesbrough Parish church and 500 yards of Middlesbrough Central Mosque we cannot see a further need in this small area for another place of worship.”

The reason for approval explained how the application worked within the principles of the National Policy Planning Framework and local policy requirements.

Specifically, it was deemed that “the place of worship will not prejudice the character and function of the local area but will complement its existing commercial and community uses and it will not be detrimental to any adjoining or surrounding properties.”

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The objection raised is also confronted by the reason for approval, which states: “The traffic generated, car parking and noise associated with the use will not be of a level likely to result in an unacceptable impact on nearby premises.”

Pyramid Architectural Design, who is listed as the agent on the planning application, confirmed that it wouldn’t be a new church, but rather that the RCCG Living Water Parish is moving from a different premises on Marton Road.

The move will mean that the parish will have their own building, rather than operating above a gym, as they are at the present time.