PLANS to turn a former Chinese buffet and nightclub in Colchester into a church have now been approved.

World Mission Agency, known as Winners Chapel International, has received planning permission from Colchester Council to revamp the old Embassy Suite, in Balkerne Hill.

However, separate plans submitted by businessman Ian Saunders to turn the premises back into an adult entertainment venue have also been approved by Colchester Council.

The church, based in Dartford, Kent, wants to redevelop the premises which could accommodate more than 160 adults and children.

Gazette:

Downstairs a children’s church would be created along with new toilet facilities and offices.

The first floor would house a youth church and main auditorium with an elevated alter, while on the top floor there would be further toilets and offices.

A planning report states: “The premises is proposed to accommodate 100 to 120 adults, 12 to 15 youths and 40 children between zero and 12 years.

“However, the design has been influenced by the current social distancing requirement of two metres between two people of different households.

“There will therefore be a need to restrict the number of people attending weekly as well as Sunday services to comply with the current legislation.

“The proposal is to have two to three services to allow fewer people at anytime into the building.”

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Services would take place between 8am and 1pm on Sundays and between 6pm and 8.30pm on Wednesdays.

Special sessions would also be held on a monthly basis and special occasions such as New Year.

The church plans to use parking permits and shuttle buses to avoid parking issues in the area.

Gazette:

The report said: “Cars are usually only used by families with children and larger families.

“We anticipate about 30 cars on Sundays and approximately ten cars on Wednesdays.

“Many members travel on public transport as the property has close links to train stations and bus stops including the bus station.”

The Embassy Suite is the old home of Embassy Chinese Buffet but was a historic nightclub and entertainment venue decades ago.