A church in Glasgow’s south side has been granted permission to be partly converted into a café allowing them to engage with the local community.
Proposals for Chapel Hall situated at 37 Riverside Road, in Shawlands, were previously refused by Glasgow City Council’s planning committee because of concerns over lingering odours.
The application was subsequently withdrawn and a new one brought before the local review committee on Thursday.
Councillor Anne MacTaggart said: “Having looked and studied this application I think it is a great idea. Elected members have known the difficulties over the last year that people are facing.
“Churches have got to thrive as well and I know from my own case work that there are churches around me that have also seen the brunt of Covid over the last 18 months.
“They have not been able to gain income through hall lets. People have not been able to come through the door altogether. Many of them will not be able to survive so I welcome this fabulous idea.
“I think it is a good way of keeping a community alive. I understand that there may be a café nearby but I hope this is a good opportunity for the church to go. I don’t think they are going to offer more than soup and sandwiches.”
Concerns were raised that the flue would cause problems as it wasn’t tall enough and smells might linger.
Councillor Hanif Malik suggested that members attach a condition saying the flue must be a certain height to safeguard the residents in terms of odour disposal.
He added: “The demands on churches is far greater than it has been. These places of worship offer a lot of peace and tranquillity to people.
“This will bring people together and we should be encouraging that. I am very happy with the plans that are presented to us.
“It will allow people to come in and use the premises.”
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