St Mark's plan go-ahead

Members of the Rother District Council planning committee decided to grant a delegated approval for plans to extend St Mark's Church Hall, add a new first floor and create a covered walkway from the building to the church.

Officers had asked members to defer the scheme, reporting the design would not 'enhance the appearance' of the building.

The report said: "The application as currently presented is considered out of scale with the surroundings, with a top heavy appearance and cumbersome external forms, such as the fire escapes, and a bulky, inappropriately clad covered walkway ..."

Members however agreed with the scheme in principal and moved for a delegated approval, with officers entering into negotiations on amendments to the plan.

Councillors noted that the construction would be good for the disabled, elderly and young families.

The Rev Jonathan Frais, of St Mark's, said he was, "delighted" with the decision.