A COUPLE who hoped to open a church in a disused shop in Grays say they feel "persecuted" after an appeal against refusal of planning application was turned down.

The Eagles Christian Connections church sought planning permission to turn 1 Kingston Parade, Hathaway Road, Grays, into a place of worship and a community hall but planning permission was turned down last year.

Pastor Tope Ekundayo, who hoped to run the church with his wife Elizabeth, launched an appeal but the planning inspectorate has also now refused the application.

The Pentecostal church aimed to use the unit during the week as a lively community centre with worship taking place on Saturdays and Sundays.

The disappointed pastor issued a brief statement following the decision saying he would look to the future.

He said: "We feel persecuted as a Christian charity but we are marching on – forward and upward."

The council said the change of use would result in the loss of a retail unit despite it remaining empty for some time. Residents also raised concerns about parking.

The premises on Hathaway Road.

Explaining his decision, the planning inspector said: "Although the property has now been marketed for some time, and to a reduced sum relative to the original, the evidence before me does not clearly indicate the level of interest from potential tenants or whether the marketed price of the appeal site is realistic, taking into account factors such as location, size and condition. Moreover, I have no evidence before me as to the extent of marketing."

The inspector added: "Any additional on-street parking as a result of the proposed development would likely result in inconsiderate parking as individuals seek to park near the property where provision is, even if only at times, relatively limited.

"The proposed use is likely to add to existing on-street parking levels on neighbouring streets. Given the local premium on parking spaces this is likely to lead to some frustration and drivers manoeuvring in ways they would otherwise not, which in turn is, in my view, likely to impede the free flow of traffic and potentially be detrimental to highway safety."

The church had hoped to create a supportive community where "children and single parents can find solace, guidance, and a nurturing space for growth". It also aimed to open a foodbank in the former second hand shop.