A SECOND bid by a church to open a new place of worship and training centre has been rejected.

Back in May, Breath of Life Faith Ministries sought planning permission to use a light industrial unit at 20 Wharfdale Road, Westbourne, to provide 66 hours a week of skills and employment training, as well as serving as a base for worship.

However council officers argued the scheme would be an unacceptable loss of employment space and place a burden on local parking.

Now a second bid for the same site has again fallen foul of the council for largely the same reasons, despite the efforts of the church to compensate for the previously identified shortcomings of the scheme, and 31 letters of support.

Planning board chairman David Kelsey said: "It is a shame because they obviously have every good intention, but this is just not the right place for them.

"This is a light industrial unit and we can't afford to get rid of any employment sites. We have very few around the town."

Cllr Kelsey said applicants are required to demonstrate that an employment site has been marketed for at least 12 months with no success before change of use permission will be granted, however the church has provided no evidence of this.

Also, he said, board members expressed concern about the safety of those attending the church due to a lack of proper lighting and footpaths, and said the six parking spaces allotted to the unit would be insufficient for its traffic, putting pressure on nearby roads.

According to the application, the church has outgrown the temporary venues it currently uses, but has "limited funds" and thus "must seek what accommodation can be afforded".

The plans were for an Enterprise Training Centre "to help members of the community who require specialised training to get back into employment or start their own businesses, thereby increasing employment levels and wealth generation in Bournemouth".

The church plans to train up to 500 people a year.

One resident writing in support, Ade Bamgboye of Boscombe Grove Road, said: "I am a registered disabled person with other long term illnesses, however with the support of Breath of Life Faith Ministries I have been able to return to work fully after almost a year off with cancer diagnosis.

"I have been supported with learning skills, counselling, therapeutic activities and spiritual support.

"I can attest that excellent work has been done by this charitable organisation which is unique in itself, they have capability to change lives for the better in our community."