COUNCILLORS have blocked plans by a church to continue using an empty town centre building for its activities and services.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)had applied to Bexley Council for permission to carry on using the basement of a building in Bexley Road, Erith, for its Praise Embassy Centre.

Planners had recommended temporary permission for two years.

RCCG has been using the building for training and counselling and church services, including night prayers from 9pm to 11pm twice a month.

It also hopes to introduce a breakfast and after-school club and a day nursery.

The church, founded in Nigeria in the 1950s, claims a maximum Erith congregation of around 80 people and says nearly half of them live in Erith with most of the rest coming from other nearby areas.

Only a fifth come by car, with the rest walking or using public transport.

The church also runs a shuttle bus to pick up church members from various locations in the borough and further afield.

It suggested only the shuttle buses and the senior pastor would use the car park it shares with other adjoining businesses and, if it got permission, it would soundproof the church.

But its neighbours have objected.

Erith Snooker Club, which occupies the top floor of the building, complained to the committee about the “intolerable noise well into the night”.

The club also claimed the church monopolised the shared car park, on one occasion putting up a small marquee during a festival and complained about the church dumping rubbish.

An adjoining shop, Roman Crops, also complained about noise and parking problems.

After hearing people’s concerns, the committee deferred a decision, asking for more information about the parking, rubbish and disabled access.