Telford church scraps controversial expansion plans as neighbours warn of 'nightmare' parking
The plans have now been withdrawn
Plans to refurbish a former Telford factory have been withdrawn amid a backlash from neighbours.
Earlier this year, Telford-based Lighthouse Church asked the local authority for permission to transform the former home of wheel manufacturer KN Wheels Ltd in Ketley into a 250- to 300‑capacity place of worship.
The organisation said the expansion would relieve pressure on its existing auditorium on nearby Holyhead Road.
But the local community did not wholeheartedly welcome the plans, and dozens of objections were lodged during the scheme’s consultation process.
Parking and traffic issues seemed to be the main concern of local residents, many of whom argued parking was already “a nightmare”.
“There aren’t enough safe areas to park and this would most certainly make matters worse,” wrote one.
“Allowing the old K&N wheel factory to be used as a place of worship would further increase traffic on this road and exacerbate the already dangerous parking situation,” added another.
It was a view that was shared by Ketley Parish Council, which stated that “a large number of complaints” had already been received regarding parking in the area “and no changes have been made”.
Also objecting to the scheme, a spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council’s highways department said that 160 parking spaces would be required to support a building of that size, and pointed out that only 17 were provided in the application.
While the applicants argued off-site private parking arrangements could be utilised, the highways officer said no formal evidence had been provided to show this would be available throughout the lifetime of the development.
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for Lighthouse Church said the organisation was aware of the matters raised by local residents and “actively working to address the objections”.
But on Friday (August 21) the applicant withdrew the proposal from the planning process.
The full application is still available to view online at on Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning portal using reference number TWC/2026/0340.
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