Church forced to seek planning permission for bell loudspeakers

Oct 9 2008 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

THERE has been another twist in the ‘ding-dong’ over bells at a Lanarkshire church.

Earlier this year a mast topped by loud speakers was erected outside Uddingston’s St John the Baptist Church.

A PA system was used to play a recording of bells during the Lower Millgate Church’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

But the sound of the bells had upset some of the church’s neighbours.

One villager had described the sound as “tinny” and “raucous.”

It was further claimed that the structure required planning permission. At that time the council described the matter as “highly unusual” in planning terms and was unable to say definitively if planning permission was needed.

However, this week it emerged that the structure would, after all, require planning permission.

A council spokesman said: “The latest position is planning permission is required. The church has been advised of this and the need to now submit an application.”

When the council received an “enquiry” in August over an “alleged noise nuisance” the Advertiser canvassed residents in nearby Holmwood Gardens.

They had said they were not bothered by the sound of the bells - although one described the recording as “not great.”

A council officer who had visited the site concluded that the sound did not constitute a statutory nuisance.

Father Dominic Towey of St John the Baptist Church expressed “hurt and disappointment” over a “small minority” seemingly offended by the sound of a church bell.

And centenary committee chairman Danny Anderson pointed out the church had been advised that planning permission wasn’t necessary, adding: “Can you imagine the furore if anyone questioned or tried to silence the Islamic call to prayer the Adhan which, as part of the muslim faith, is heard five times a day.”