AN application to convert a Norton garage into a study for a Methodist minister has been passed by councillors – despite neighbours’ fears that people may pray there.

A last minute move to defer a decision on plans for the detached house in Fairways Court, so members of Dudley Council's Development Control Committee could conduct a site visit, was rejected by councillors.

Councillor Colin Elcock called for the deferral during last night's heated meeting where residents claimed the conversion would cause parking problems as church members attended meetings at the preacher’s home.

Residents objected to the proposal saying it amounted to a ‘manse’ - a  vicarage for a Methodist minister - and therefore was a change of use from a residential property.

They also claimed the proposed study would be used for church business, including prayer meetings when worshippers would park on the street, blocking access to neighbours’ properties.

This was denied by the Vale of Stour Methodist Church, which said additional off-road parking would be provided by widening the drive and meetings would only be attended by wardens conducting church business or couples making marriage plans.

Cllr Elock, pointing to what he claimed was a wheelchair ramp on submitted plans, said the manse would have only one off-road parking space and the application was the "thin end of the wedge".

He continued: “While I hesitate to say the Vale of Stour Church is trying to come in through the back-door, if we approve this I think it’s the thin end of the wedge.

“On a plan, I’ve seen there is wheelchair access. If there is wheelchair access, that is actually cutting down on off-road parking.”

Committee chairman, Councillor Andrea Goddard, interjected to say there was no mention of wheelchair access and councillors could only consider matters outlined in the report.

Cllr Elock responded: “I feel that if there is a wheelchair ramp there would be no space for two cars and therefore there would be further parking on the street.”

He added: “This proposed study will be used for meetings of bigger groups of people than a pair coming to discuss a wedding, or three or four people discussing ecclesiastical  problems.”

Councillor Asif Ahmed said if the house was used for prayer meetings in the future the council’s enforcement officers could take action, but added: “I can’t see any reason not to grant it permission at this time.”

The committee granted the conversion planning consent with only cllr Elcock voting against.

The vote was met with shouts of derision from members of the public.