The meeting to consider the Church’s planning application to relocate the stained glass windows was held this afternoon. After the wind turbines and house extensions were cleared from the agenda, it was our turn. Knutsford Conservation and Heritage Group, and Knutsford Town Council both spoke against the proposals, and then we had our three minutes to speak in favour.
In the subsequent debate, it quickly became clear that the Councillors were worried that they may not have fully understood the proposals, preventing them from agreeing with the Planning Officer’s recommendation to refuse consent. The outcome was a ‘deferral pending a site visit by the Committee’ – a great result in the circumstances.
It was interesting to note the reaction to the realisation that the families and households of the church (i.e. you!) were entirely funding the project. That seemed to weigh in the discussions, i.e., that our view of what we wanted in the building ought to be balanced against a heritage argument which presumed against change.
The Committee will visit the building, probably in January, and then we’ll have another Committee Session to attend in either January or February.
So thank you for praying! The Lord is at work…