Plymouth Brethren Church Applies to Convert Former School into Members-Only Shop

Daniel Lyon, a member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, has submitted a planning application to convert part of the former Little Plumstead Primary School into a retail space exclusively for church members. The proposal, which includes a shop and a separate application for a residential property on the site, has sparked debate among local officials and community members.

The church, also known as the Exclusive Brethren, is a conservative Christian group with roots in the 19th century. The proposed shop would be restricted to members of the church and would operate with limited hours, catering primarily to residents in the immediate vicinity and beyond. Mr Lyon emphasized that the shop would not interfere with the operations of a nearby community shop, the Walled Garden Community Shop, which has been in development since 2017 and received planning permission last year.

Local parish councillor Andrew Cawdron expressed concerns about the potential for conflict, noting that if the church’s retail use is approved, it could create a situation where the church might sell the site with that permission, leading to direct competition with the community shop. He suggested that the district council could impose conditions to prevent such a scenario.

Mr Lyon stated that the church has engaged in discussions with the community shop’s governors to ensure no conflict arises. He argued that the church’s shop could even benefit the community shop by increasing foot traffic. The planning application is currently under review by Broadland District Council, with the outcome yet to be determined.

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church adheres to a strict code of conduct and has a history of maintaining a closed community, often referred to as the Exclusive Brethren. The proposed use of the former school building reflects the church’s ongoing efforts to utilize its properties for its members and community engagement, while navigating local planning and community concerns.

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