Two separate office blocks in Histon have been granted planning permission, one to become a place of worship and the other a new driving test centre for Cambridge. Both sites are located off Chivers Way.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God City of David Parish in Cambridge explained to South Cambridgeshire City Council that it needed to relocate as it had been given notice to vacate its current site.
The Church therefore asked for permission to convert an office block in Trust Court, Histon, into a place of worship. Some parts of the building will still be used as office space, while other areas will be converted for worship services and group meetings.
Planning documents explained the church office will be open weekdays between 8:30am and 5:30pm.
The Church’s proposed timetable includes a worship service on Sundays between 11am and 1:30pm, and other group meetings such as bible study, mother and baby group and choir practice. It would also like to offer a food bank service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Possible noise impact
The District Council agreed to grant planning permission for the change of use, but advised that a management plan should be put together and regularly reviewed to address and reduce any potential noise impact on the area.
There were no public comments to the application, but this request was added after concerns were raised by environmental health officers about potential noise from the choir practice and worship services.
The report said: “… it is encouraged the applicant draft a management plan to ensure these concerns are addressed and reduce any potential impact on the community.
“This could include keeping windows and external doors closed during these activities, use of acoustic equipment rather than amplification, amending times when these activities take place so as to have less impact, noise attenuation schemes and a complaints procedure (if complaints are received). This is not an exhaustive list.”
Driving test centre
Meanwhile, the green light has also been given to relocate Cambridge’s existing Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) centre from Brookmount Court to Compass House on the Vision Park.
Approval of an application for change of use to mixed use office and car driving test centre could see the existing Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) centre at Cambridge (Brookmount Court) close, with learner drivers taking their test instead from Compass House on the Vision Park here in Histon.
Currently Brookmount Court hosts car tests only as well as Approved Driving Instructor tests part 2 and 3. DVSA confirmed to HI HUB that an average of around 75 practical car driving tests currently take place daily from Brookmount Court, with testing beginning from 7am and the latest test finishing at approximately 5pm.
‘A huge benefit’
One public comment was received in relation to the application, saying it would “be a huge benefit for Histon and Impington and will help to revitalise the retail park which has seen a large drop in tenancy”. The individual added: “It will also bring more people to the area and make businesses more attractive and encourage more local businesses which would help boost the local economy.”
The Highways Authority also concluded there should be “no significant adverse effect” upon the public highway.
Both developments need to be underway within three years of their decision notice and must be carried out in accordance with the plans submitted to planners. The Church has also been told the associated bin and bike stores need to be in place before the building is occupied for its new use.
Additional reporting by Hannah Brown, of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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