THE first stage of a controversial application to build a gospel hall church in Redcar has been given the go-ahead by planners.

The site for the church premises and car parking is at land off Edenhall Grove, next to the Anne Charlton Lodge, and is currently used as an informal open space by local children. There are a few pieces of play equipment at the back of the proposed site which would have to be relocated.

The plan to build the gospel hall has met with opposition from residents in the area who have sent letters and petitions to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council asking for a proper play area to be provided for the children and raising concerns about increased traffic problems. Residents have also raised concerns about potential traffic problems which may result from the development. They say they are already concerned about the amount of on street parking which junctions at the Ann Charlton Lodge generates. The residents say the traffic also causes problems by speeding along Edenhall Grove.

The applicants say the building would be part single and part two storey in height with seating for up to 80 people in the main chapel and another 55 people in the church hall. There would also be car parking spaces for 25 cars.

The applicants also say the average attendance numbers of the congregation on a Sunday would be 25 people but there would also be regular twice weekly events as well as four or five one-off events during the year and a couple of weddings and funerals every year.

At a meeting last week, members of the council's planning committee decided to give the scheme the green light.

Coun Helen McLuckie, chairman of the planning committee, said the area has "an abundance of open space" although the play area is of great concern. The committee decided that the play area be rebuilt and the equipment be replaced