Berry: Community’s mixed reaction to proposed church

Churchgoers in a NSW south coast town could soon move to a new, state of the art auditorium if the plans are approved by a regional council. See the plans here.

Artist impression of the proposed church.

A NSW south coast community has shared mixed reactions to a proposed church which would see churchgoers move from worshipping in an old facility to a new, state of the art auditorium.

The new church – proposed for the existing church’s property at 8 Schofields Ln, Berry – currently sits with Shoalhaven Council after the development application [DA] was submitted by Kiama-based Allen Price & Scarratts Land and Development Consultants.

Town planner for the Kiama development firm, Deborah Szota, said the development would see a new church building constructed, with an approximate size of 20 by 35m, containing an auditorium with a 200 person capacity – the same as the existing auditorium.

The new church would be constructed behind the existing, old auditorium.

Ms Szota said the development would also see a new courtyard constructed alongside additional parking spaces.

The proposed church will sit behind the existing, old auditorium.

“The proposed building will be used for public worship and is situated about 15m further away than the building currently in use for this purpose,” she said.

Ms Szota said the new church would fit the Berry aesthetic, being constructed from “painted hebel walls with high acoustic separation value”.

The proposed church will have seating for 200 guests.

However, some residents have voiced concerns over traffic issues.

Resident Lois Bonner said the new facility could increase the amount of people using the church and, with a lack of parking, cars could park along Schofields Ln blocking her property.

“I believe that permitting a second access driveway with the intention of adding car spaces will only lead to increased traffic past my own property,” she said.

“If there is not enough space in the current church car park, and people drive up the street, only to find the carpark full, clearly they are going to park on the street.”

Despite this, others have welcomed the proposed revamp.

Churchgoer Maryanne Fletcher said she was excited to be able to use the new facility.

“Berry needs a good church and this new auditorium will be perfect for what we need,” she said.

Plans for the Berry Church at Schofields Ln will be discussed by Shoalhaven Council in the coming months.

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Originally published as Berry: Community’s mixed reaction to proposed church