A Cambridge church could be moving to Histon’s Vision Park, if a change of use planning application is approved. South Cambridgeshire planners are currently considering the proposals to convert three office units at 1-3 Trust Court into a “place of worship”.
The City of David Church – which is described as a “vibrant, multicultural pentecostal church” – needs to relocate because its current home at The Paddocks is set to become a research and development facility.
Relocation
A planning statement supporting the application explains: “The Redeemed Christian Church of God (otherwise known as RCCG) City of David Parish in Cambridge is a vibrant, multicultural church which is currently based at The Paddocks employment area on Cherry Hinton Road.
“Due to plans to redevelop The Paddocks into a research and development facility the Church has been given notice to vacate the building by March 2025 hence the need for new accommodation.
“Units 1, 2, 3 Trust Court are ideal for the Church with ancillary offices as well as serviced offices to rent out.”
Plans
Drawings for the proposals show the ground floor offices will be knocked through to create a main hall, two reception areas and WCs. A family friendly area with a creche, sensory room and nursing room are included in the first floor plans, as well as a gallery, coffee area and office space. More offices are proposed for the building’s second floor.
Proposed opening hours for Sundays are 9am-2pm, with Worship Service between 11am-1:30pm. The food bank is suggested for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Evening events are planned Tuesdays-Thursdays. The planning document explains a congregation of 150 is expected on a Sunday and points out the “busiest time is when surrounding offices are closed for the weekend”.
Transport
The Church employs 11 staff and has 16 part time volunteers; seven staff with four cars are said to be “associated with the church office element during the working week”. The site has 26 car parking places, and is accessible by foot, bicycle and public transport. Eighteen new cycle parking spaces are also being proposed with the application.
The planning statement said: “The Church already actively implements a range of travel measures designed to reduce dependence on the private motor car e.g. lift sharing and provision of a community bus. In addition, some of the congregation are local and will walk or cycle to church.”
The majority of the Parish Council’s Planning and Development Committee voted in favour of approving the application on 18 February, with six votes for approval and one vote against. The Local Highways Authority commented there should be “no significant adverse effect” on the surrounding area.
Fundraising
Towards the end of last November, the Church launched a fundraising campaign to raise £200,000 towards its new home. The “New Church Home” page on its website explains the support would go towards expanding the food bank services, enhance IT and training courses and help for other community initiatives.
The Church’s recent change of use application was validated by South Cambridgeshire District Council on 3 February, 2025. The reference number on the planning portal is 25/00305/FUL.
The City of David Church was approached for comment. Eddisons is the applicant’s agent.
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