A reverend says his prayers have been answered by planning chiefs who have allowed him to open his church.

Last month News Shopper reported how Lewisham Council threatened to revoke its decision to let Rev Dr Femi Olowo reopen a former Baptist church building on Mayeswood Road, Grove Park.

It followed concerns raised by residents who said the building, which has now reopened as the Jubilee International Church, had only been used to store and distribute religious books since 1987.

Residents also expressed fears about parking problems and said the new churchgoers' Pentecostal services would create too much noise.

But in a U-turn, Lewisham Council gave the green light for the church to reopen in time for the planned opening ceremony on July 8.

Dr Olowo said: "We are now rejoicing. Our prayers have been answered and we have a place to praise God.

"We met with residents and allayed their fears about noise and parking. We understand they were concerned.

"Our message is to love our neighbours and despite the fact they tried to stop us opening, for us it is a case of in with anger, out with love."

Last month Dr Olowo threatened to sue the council after its decision to rethink whether to let the church open sent the £375,000 renovation project into financial crisis.

A bank loan to pay contractors refurbishing the building was withheld until the council gave the final go-ahead at the beginning of the month.

A council spokesman confirmed the Jubilee International Church can now be used as a place of public worship.

He said: "We are aware of residents' concerns about potential parking and noise problems. But the new owners have assured us they will take measures so this does not become an issue."

The church says there are 54 spaces within 400 yards of the building, which has a noise limiter built into its sound system.

Grove Park councillor David Britton, who initially opposed the church reopening, said: "I'm keeping my fingers crossed there will be no problems with noise.

"But I think we've come to a compromise. At first, it was the fear of the unknown."