A proposal to change empty Leeds city centre shops into a church have been refused planning permission.
The UCKG Help Centre had hoped to transform two vacant shops on North Street into a church and a small bookshop and cafe.
The church - which has a current congregation of about 80 at its current Dewsbury Road base - would have been open from 6.30am-10.30pm, and run four services a day.
But councillors on the city centre plans panel felt that the noise would affect residents living in flats above the proposed church and that the number of people visiting the church and issues over car parking would affect local residents.
One of the objectors was Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn.
Councillor Elizabeth Nash (Labour, City and Hunslet) said:
"I think it is a totally unsuitable location for a church - churches for me should be free-standing buildings. There are a number of redundant churches across the city and I do not see why they cannot be approached."
Martin Hamilton (Liberal Democrat, Headingley) said he had concerns about losing two shop fronts in a popular parade and the impact on local residents and Otley and Yeadon Liberal Democrat Colin Campbell said he had major concerns about noise from the church affecting residents above, and also about fire safety. David Blackburn (Green, Farnley and Wortley) expressed concerns over the number of hours the church would be open.
Councillors unanimously agreed to reject the proposals.
