Planners have turned down an application from the First Church of God in Pembroke to build a split level car park.

Director of Planning Rudolph Hollis said the Development Applications Board had rejected the bid, but the church has appealed.

The church, on First Church Lane, had wanted to increase its parking spaces from 81 to 119 by building an additional deck.

One reason for the rejection, said Mr. Hollis, was because one floor of the proposed parking lot was considered an above ground structure, and the church would therefore have to set it back at least 20 feet from Crane Lane.

Another concern was that the planned building might mean the percentage developed at the site had exceeded that which was permitted.

"We did receive objections and it went to a hearing and was rejected by the board," Mr. Hollis told The Royal Gazette.

"It was appealed and that is why it is currently with the (Planning) Inspectorate."

The Planning inspectorate, which is independent of the Development Applications Board, will make a recommendation to Environment Minister Dennis Lister, who has responsibility for planning, who can either accept or reject the advice.

Pembroke resident Raymond Russell attacked the church's pastor Bishop Vernon Lambe for appealing the planning decision.

In a letter to The Royal Gazette, Mr. Russell said the people of Government Gate, Pembroke, had welcomed the church into the area "without any real objection" even though some would have their view impeded by the building.

He said appealing the decision showed First Church of God under Rev Lambe had "little regard for the people of Government Gate" and he pledged to support those opposing the new car park.

Rev Lambe did not return a call to The Royal Gazette last night for comment.