Plans re-submitted to turn bank into church

Plans have been re-submitted to convert a former bank into a community church.

Ernest Moses of Central Trust submitted a planning application to Peterborough City Council seeking to convert the former branch of Barclays in Fletton into a place of worship.

If approved, the building would host a range of religious and community activities, including services, leadership and youth training and mentoring, and family support.

This is the second application for the vacant site on the High Street after a previous proposal was rejected by the council in 2024 over parking and noise concerns.

Its facilities would include conference and function rooms, counselling rooms, a kitchen, toilets and a cafe.

According to the plans, the church would include a conference and function room and sound insulation would be made to prevent any adverse impacts from singing during worship.

Provisions for 15 on-site car park spaces have also been proposed, with the applicant claiming arrangements have been made with the Italian Community Association and Stanground Academy to use their parking facilities if more spaces were needed.

A design and access statement said: "The proposed development represents a sustainable and community-focused reuse of a currently vacant building, transforming it into a vibrant place of worship and community hub that will serve the needs of the local Christian community and the wider Fletton area."

City council planners are yet to make a decision on the application.

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