Wokingham Borough council has granted a change of use to a building that will now become a place of worship.
The Sarum Hill Gospel Hall Trust had submitted plans to change the use of its Broadwater Barn in Part Lane, Riseley, seeking a change from office use to a church.
Sarum Hill Gospel Hall Trust is part of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
According to its website, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church was established in the early nineteenth century in Plymouth.
It said it is a community of more than 50,000 members across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Americas and the UK.
It said: “We are deeply family-oriented and live, work and pray as ‘Brethren’ – a community of families held together by our common Christian belief.”
In its plans for the change of use, its planning agent said the barn will provide a local hall for the congregation within nearby villages, whilst full congregation meetings take place at Three Mile Cross near Shinfield.
“A range of local halls provides for local provision to encourage shorter trips and create opportunities for walking and cycling.”
No external alterations were proposed, and the existing access and car parking on site will be used.
The application also noted there is historic evidence that the site was formerly used as a Mission Hall (church), and that the plans will see the building reverting back to its original use, dating back centuries.
During the consultation period, five comments were received against the proposals. They cited fears over increased traffic and a lack of on-site parking.
Ten comments were received in support of the application, including how the plans would meet the needs of the local community, and have no adverse environmental impact.
Plans for the change of use were approved on May 17.
