The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is a Christian fellowship driven by care and compassion. Members of the Church have lived and worked in the UK for nearly 200 years – including for over a hundred years in Bedfordshire – and we are committed to serving our local communities, including through extensive charitable and philanthropic activities.
Further information can be found on our website: www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org
Primarily this is due to the organic expansion of the congregation, meaning the current Gospel Hall is no longer big enough to accommodate the Church’s community safely or comfortably. Additionally, due to the age of the hall, it is not economical to run or viable to modernise.
The Church has been searching for a suitable site since 2007. This has been a long and detailed search, resulting in Chapel Farm being identified as the most suitable site. It is large enough to accommodate the Gospel Hall and associated parking, easily accessible by car, public transport and on foot and in a good location to serve the Church and wider community.
The Church has been a part of the community for over 100 years, with Church members contributing to a range of community activities. The new Gospel Hall represents an important opportunity to continue to support the Church’s charitable and community efforts by serving as a place which is better suited to coordinate this activity in Chalton and the surrounding areas.
The proposals would represent an improvement on the current site which is home to disused buildings which are in poor condition, creating a more pleasant addition to the village.
We are aware of a lack of allotment provision in the village, despite local demand for such facilities. In response to this, the proposals allow for the setting aside of land for potential community allotments. We have also included a plan for land to be gifted to Chalton Lower School, which could be used to provide additional play space for local children.
In line with similar Gospel Halls around the country, around three services per week are anticipated to take place. These typically fall outside of peak travel times so there is no detrimental impact on the local road network. For example, this includes evening services on weekdays, which begin after 7pm, and a regular Sunday morning service.
With planning permission now secured, the Church is moving into the delivery phase of the project. Construction of the new Gospel Hall is expected to take up to 12 months, with works commencing once the necessary pre-construction requirements have been completed.
The Gospel Hall will be constructed in a responsible and respectful manner, with careful consideration given to local residents and the surrounding area throughout the build. Construction will be carried out in accordance with the approved planning conditions, including a Construction Management Plan agreed with Central Bedfordshire Council to minimise disruption and manage the impact of the works.
Services at the Gospel Hall will take place outside of peak travel times to minimise the impact on the local village and road network.
The new car park, which is well designed and partially screened by the Gospel Hall, is of sufficient size to accommodate those who travel by car, preventing overspill onto nearby roads.