Objections are mounting after a church in a busy Chatham street opened without planning permission.

The former Martin’s convenience store in Luton High Street was taken over by a church named OIM C&S Mountain of Joy this year.

Local residents alerted Medway Council to the unauthorised change of use, which has now led to an enforcement investigation getting underway.

The church is registered with the Charity Commission and says it aims to “promote the advancement of the Christian religion” through services and community outreach.

Now, it has submitted a retrospective planning application to resolve the issue, attracting a wave of objections from residents and the local councillor.

Plans submitted to the council show the place of worship can accommodate almost 40 churchgoers and provides two staff parking spaces.

Residents have objected over issues including the lack of parking, noise, and the loss of retail floorspace in the local high street.

Luton ward councillor Joanne Howcroft-Scott has also joined calls to refuse the application, saying “not every unit is appropriate for every use”.

In a letter to Medway Council, she wrote: “While faith and community organisations play an important role, they must be located in premises suitable for such activity.

“This site appears constrained, tightly enclosed by neighbouring homes, and lacking adequate servicing, parking, and operational space.”

Despite the council’s probe, Future Medway can confirm the church remains open at the time of publication.

Medway Council clarified that no enforcement action would be taken until a decision is made on the planning application, which is due by 18 June.

To view or comment on the application, search for MC/26/0772 on Medway Council’s planning portal.

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