Plans to restore fire-ravaged village church hit snag over parking

Plans to begin restoring a fire-ravaged church look set to be turned down over concerns about parking.

St Mary's Church at Wimbotsham, near Downham Market, was devastated by fire almost five years ago.

Its parochial church council (PCC) has applied for planning permission to build an extension alongside the damaged building, to allow it to be used again by the community.

But West Norfolk council's planning committee has been recommended to turn down the scheme when it meets on May 7.

Firefighters at the scene of the fire at Wimbotsham Church, in 2019 (Image: Chris Bishop)

A report to councillors says the plans include an expanded area which would lead to more cars using the narrow access road top the building off Church Road.

READ MORE: Damaged church will be rebuilt, pledges rector

READ MORE: Rebuild 'on track' for church devastated by fire

It adds: "The increased use would result in likely conflict and given the poor visibility at the junction on Church Road, and will increase highway safety risks."

A planning statement said: "Having suffered from a catastrophic fire in 2019, the PCC has been presented with a unique opportunity to maximise the potential of the building to create an inclusive community facility, which can improve the long-term sustainability of the church and retain the building in its optimum viable use as a community asset and place of worship."

Damping down after the blaze at St Mary's Church (Image: Chris Bishop)

Some 41 letters of support were received for the scheme and four objections.

One supporter said: "The church building needs new facilities such as the toilets, parking, and heating in order to move into the 21st century."

Another added: "The church as a community facility needs to be reinstated as soon as possible."

But one objector said: "The track up to the church is narrow and visibility splays are poor at the junction with the road. No passing places along the track and it is used by pedestrians too."