THURROCK councillors are set to rule on a controversial proposal to turn a former children's play centre in South Ockendon into a church, after planning officers recommended the application be refused for a second time.

The Lighthouse Church (All Nations) is seeking permission to convert the vacant Kids R Us indoor play centre in Arisdale Avenue into a permanent place of worship.

Without reference to councillors on the planning committee, officers rejected the application in August last year.

Now a renewed application will go before councillors at a meeting next week.

While officers raised no objection in principle to the change of use, in a report they warn the plans would cause unacceptable noise and disturbance to nearby residents and failed to meet required planning obligations on parking and traffic management.

The detailed planning report to the committee concludes the proposal "would result in increased levels of noise, disturbance and disruption" owing to the scale of worship services and associated activities.

Environmental health officers said the church's Noise Impact Assessment fell short of required standards, with no reliable evidence showing that amplified music, speech or congregational singing could be contained without affecting neighbouring homes.

Officers highlighted "significant shortcomings", including a lack of data on worst case noise levels, uncertainties over whether key doors would be sealed, and the absence of modelling for scenarios requiring open windows or ventilation.

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The church, which currently meets at Vue Cinema and the Thurrock Hotel, says the move would provide a long term base for pastoral support, youth programmes and community outreach. It has proposed acoustic upgrades, restricted hours of operation and strict controls on amplified sound.

Traffic remains a major concern for residents. The church plans to run a 16 seat minibus shuttle between nearby council car parks and the venue during Sunday peak services, supported by car park marshals and a detailed management plan. Highways officers indicated these measures could be acceptable if secured through a £25,000 legal agreement.

The proposal has divided the community, with 16 objections citing parking pressure, noise and loss of a valued community facility, while supporters praised the church's contributions to local families.

Planning officers said that despite mitigation efforts, the evidence did not demonstrate that residential amenity could be protected. The committee will make the final decision on Tuesday (10 March) .