Mega-church appeal fails

Plans for an 8,000-seat "mega-church" in east London have been rejected by Communities Secretary John Denham.

A planning application from Kingsway International Christian Centre was refused by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation in February last yearafter objections from Havering council and the local community.

The church appealed and a three-week planning inquiry took place in March.

The council said the site, in Rainham, is a key regeneration area in the Thames Gateway and should be developed as a business park.

The same argument was presented successfully this year to the Government, which had considered putting a prison there.

The effect of such a large venue on the local environment, roads and residents was also a concern.

Mr Denham agreed with the inquiry inspector, who had cited the poor access and conflict with employment policies.