PLANS for a house to become a meeting hall for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Romsey have had an objection from the town council.

The application, submitted by Shane Morton, is to use the house as Woodcot, Yokesford Hill.

Romsey Town Council's planning committee sent an objection to Test Valley Borough Council as they said it could disturb neighbours due to the 6am Lord’s supper every Sunday.

Cllr Ian Culley said: “I think the impact on the neighbours could be significant with a 6am start each Sunday. Also, it will cause the loss of a dwelling.”

On the planning statement, it said: “The Brethren have a national objective of providing local meeting halls in close proximity to the residences of their members to reduce travel time and distance and to promote sustainability.

“A core pillar of the Brethren’s religion is to celebrate the Lord’s supper at 6am every Sunday and this practice occurs at all local meeting halls throughout the UK, with no complaint from neighbours.

“Following the closure of a meeting hall in King’s Somborne in May 1998 (due to the changing demographic of the members and the evolution from rural employment to urban based employment), members of the Brethren currently meet at a number of alternative Brethren meeting halls located in Chandler's Ford, Allbrook, Hedge End, West End and, on a temporary basis, the main meeting hall located in Chestnut Avenue in Eastleigh, with many members travelling from as far as Awbridge, Shootash, East Wellow, Romsey, Ampfield, Belbins, Cupernham, Ower and Landford.

“The temporary building stock provided at Chestnut Avenue to accommodate the additional needs of the Brethren is shortly to be removed, in compliance with planning conditions, and as a result, Brethren members will have to travel further afield to attend meetings.

“The parking of cars will be wholly on site, with the provision of eight parking spaces.

“The Brethren have a proven track record of respecting their neighbours and acting in a considerate and polite manner, particularly with regard to the early Sunday morning meetings – ensuring that arrivals and departures are conducted quietly, cars doors are closed carefully and silently, and conversation is kept to a minimum until inside the meeting hall.

“The meeting hall would be used twice a week by up to 25 people to provide a small community facility and allow longer journeys by car to be shortened, thereby providing a more sustainable solution to the needs of the Brethren.”

To view the plans online, search 23/00558/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.