POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP - BLACK MAJORITY / INDEPENDENT CHURCHES
Contact: Olatunji Adebayo
Direct: 0208 955 1774
E-mail:
5th November 2004
The Rt. Hon. John Prescott MP
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
26 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2WH
Dear Sir,
RE: POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP - BLACK MAJORITY / INDEPENDENT CHURCHES
We respectfully request your intervention in considering the production of a white paper as part of the development plan process of all 33 London Boroughs. The reason for our appeal is for Local Authorities to produce as part of the Development Plan process, Supplementary Planning Guidance that takes into account and support the reuse of vacant buildings within defined employment areas for the purpose of providing desperately needed accommodation for places of worship.
An example of this SPG (produced by only one London Borough) as we understand, can be found attached in Appendix 1. In addition there are two appeal decision notices; London Boroughs of Southwark and Waltham Forest respectively where permission for places of worship has been granted in Defined Employment Areas (refer to Appendix 2). Notwithstanding these appeal decisions, planning application for Places of Worship with associated activities submitted to Local Planning Authorities continue to experience great difficulties in obtaining the relevant permission to operate legitimately.
We strongly believe that your good office is in a position to exert appropriate influence on the current situation and the difficult plight faced by many independent churches and their congregation who are faced with this grave difficulty due to the lack of suitable premises.
Although it has been suggested in some quarters, the possibility of building sharing is not considered a practical option for a number of reasons, not least the various religious denominations and beliefs.
I am sure it would not have escaped your attention that there have been significant declines in congregation numbers within the orthodox churches. This problem is still evident today with declining numbers, resulting in many church buildings being lost to alternative use such as residential. In contrast independent churches have witnessed and continue to witness the unprecedented growth of congregation numbers and it is not uncommon for one church to average a congregation of 500 or more worshippers on any given Sunday.
It is prudent to note that the function of independent churches goes beyond just being a place of worship. In actual fact the church functions as a support mechanism for its congregation and the wider community. Independent churches have demystified the common view of the church as a place that is used once a week, on a Sunday. In actual fact, apart from the "open door policy", other activities operated by the church range from employment training workshops, educational training, marriage counselling, day-care centre, providing support for single parents returning to work and a lot of other aspects which are of direct benefit to the community at large.
Most of these are seen as "back-up" to Government initiatives which are already in place. It is also fair to say that these churches are considered important and effective tools in reaching out to people from all walks of life.
We anticipate and hope that you will understand the concerns raised and will lend your support accordingly. We respectfully request your intervention in this very important matter and would like to express our gratitude to you in advance for your co-operation.
Yours faithfully,
Olatunji Adebayo
TA Property Consultants
Director
On Behalf of the Cohesive & Coherent Voice
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Pastor Kingsley Appiagyei
Pastor Colin Dye
Pastor Ade Omooba
Pastor Lanre Sholola
Dr. Sam Solomon