PLANNERS have voted unanimously to defer a decision on controversial plans for a Barry church.

The plans for 22 residential and work units at the Windsor Road United Reform Church went before Vale planning committee last night (Thursday, September 8).

The plans would also see a mix of flats and townhouses as well as work space on the site which also includes school buildings.

The public gallery was packed with residents and members of the WRAP Around Residents' Association Action Group who have continually voiced their opposition to the plans.

Their main objection is that the proposals provide no on-site parking, meaning an already busy street parking area would be clogged up even further with a potential demand for 58 cars being created.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Laurence Blight said residents objected to the application from DS Properties, the team behind the Pumphouse development, on the grounds of parking and road safety.

He said this development would have an "adverse impact" on the amenity and character of the residential area and it would have a "detrimental" effect on road safety.

He pointed to a survey which found that currently there is an average of 1.7 cars per household in the area.

He said: "There is no longer any slack. Residents currently experience significant parking stress."

He said that the campaign group have received as many as 200 objections to the scheme.

Local councillors also backed calls to refuse the application based on parking concerns and privacy concerns due to overlooking.

Cllrs Steffan Wiliam, of Baruc Ward and Rhona Probert for Illtyd ward spoke against the application with cllr Wiliam saying that the streets around the church are "woefully short" of spaces.

The council has installed yellow lines and a crossing but councillor John Drysdale said that the steep streets and the bend still mean there are safety issues.

The agent for the application, Jon Hurley, said that the parking issue had been adequately considered for this was a mixed use proposal.

He said that the plans are viable and would generate revenue for the maintenance of the building through its restoration.

He added that it would be "impractical" to provide on site parking.

Councillor Jonathan Bird said that to provide no parking for a 22 dwelling site is a "big ask."

Councillor Clive Williams said that there seemed to be a consensus that everyone wanted to save the historic church building which was described as a county treasure by a number of committee members.

He suggested that the school buildings could be demolished and to accommodate on-site parking.

A vote was taken and only four members supported refusal but all members backed the separate motion to defer.

The application will come before committee again in due course.