A MINISTER who pleaded with councillors not to allow a block of flats to be built next to his church forgot to mention his building did not have planning permission.

Pastor Kasey Ogunbadejo took the opportunity to address Bexley Council’s planning control committee about plans to build 41 flats on the former employment exchange site in William Foster Lane, Welling.

The site is next to his church, the Christ Apostolic Church, which occupies an industrial building.

The pastor said his church was a black Pentecostal church and having flats next door would affect worship.

He said church members were concerned about possible complaints from future residents about noise from services, because the two buildings would be so close together.

Mr Ogunbadejo said there were also worries about traffic and parking in the road, which is one of the approaches to Welling railway station.

He said: “We are not against the redevelopment of the site, but if we had thought flats were to be built next door, we would never have bought our building.”

But when Councillor Howard Marriner suggested the church’s concerns should be taken into consideration, the committee was told, not only does Christ Apostolic Church not have planning permission, it is also in breach of an enforcement notice and likely to be prosecuted by the council.

Ben Kelway, planning consultant for developers Hutton Developments, said the part two/part three/part four-storey building had been designed by award- winning architects and would enhance William Foster Lane and help reduce anti-social behaviour.

He claimed the increase in traffic would be tiny in comparison to the site’s previous use.

Ward councillor James Hunt said the design looked like “Battersea Dogs’ Home” at the bottom of people’s gardens and said it was too big for the site.

But the building, which was granted permission, has been designed so the highest parts will face the street and the lowest will back onto the homes in Oyliffe Avenue.

Councillor Val Clark said the development would bring the street to life.

The company has also given £20,000 to improve conditions for station users.