expansion plans.

The First Church of God applied for permission to more than double the size of the church sanctuary from 400 seats to 1,000 in August.

Rev. Vernon Lambe of the First Church of God said the extension was needed to accommodate increased membership at the thriving church.

He added that during the 20 years he had worked in the parish he had seen some very significant things which he was very grateful for.

The Development Applications Board has given the church the okay to take the first steps but noted: "Prior to the commencement of building operations a separate application for a building permit must be made and approved.'' It also stated that provisions must be made for the safe flow of traffic on First Church Lane and the disposal of "storm water''.

And it will require parking and manoeuvring spaces for 100 cars and 55 cycles before a Certificate for Occupancy and Use would be issued.

The parking lot must also have lights that do not exceed a certain light level and perimeter lights must be single head poles with reflectors to "cut off'' light distribution.

Once the certificate was given, it continued, the applicant had three months to landscape the entire site.