A CHRISTIAN organisation has been told it can't convert a factory
into a place of worship -- because it might interfere with the creation
of jobs.
The Assemblies of God, which operates from about 20
locations in the Republic and 10 in the North, had previously received
Dublin City Council approval to change the use of a 'light' industrial
unit in Stannaway Drive, Crumlin, into a place of worship.
However, An Bord Pleanala received two appeals against the council's approval.
One
of these, from a man called Martin Byrne, asserted that the change "has
the potential to devalue property in the vicinity" and that the noise
nuisance created by the church's music "would make it difficult for him
to let his adjoining rental property".
When deciding to overturn
the city council's approval, the appeal board pointed out that the
property is zoned for job creation and this was not compatible with
community use, which could "erode this strategic land bank" and
"adversely impact existing businesses".
The refusal may have
implications for a number of churches which have converted warehouses
around the country into places of worship. Brian Kelly, pastor for the church in Crumlin, expressed disappointment with the decision.
"The
reasons for the board's refusal had nothing to do with the objections.
We checked out in advance that the zoning would allow its use as a place
of worship," he said.
The Assemblies of God planned to hold
services on Saturday evenings and prayer meetings on Wednesdays in the
Crumlin property, as well as bingo and social mornings for elderly
people, a job club, and a mothers and toddlers group.
Surprise
The refusal also came as a surprise to the property sector.
Gavin Butler of Savills said: "There's no shortage of industrial accommodation in Dublin. Some
churches opt for industrial estates because rents are cheap and their
activities take place at weekends, so they don't interfere with
neighbouring businesses."
Cathal Daughton of Lisney added: "At a
time when more than 1.1 million sq m of industrial space is lying vacant
and so many landlords are struggling to pay bank loans, it's
regrettable that the board is discouraging the use of this space."