Residents who spoke out against a multi-storey car park have been granted a judicial review of the Government's planning approval.

More than 70 people objected to plans by First Church of God to construct a two-storey car park off North Shore Road in Pembroke. The parking lot was refused by the Development Applications Board but then approved by the Minister of the Environment on appeal in February.

Despite letters of opposition and the formation of a neighbourhood committee, angry residents say Minister Neletha Butterfield approved church leader Bishop Vernon Lambe's appeal without any consultation.

They are now questioning the legality of her decision through a judicial review. Residents Lauretta Lorna Stoneham, Claudette Fleming and Janet Francis named the Environment Minister, the Attorney General and the Development Applications Board as respondents in their application for leave to file for judicial review on July 31. Yesterday this was approved by the Supreme Court. It means any building work must now be suspended.

Legal representative Darrell Clarke said last night he was "very pleased" by the decision. He said residents had questioned the planning approval on the basis of illegality, irrationality and procedural impropriety. Despite only three residents being named on the appeal, Mr. Clarke says he has been contacted by more than 70 people protesting Ms Butterfield's decision.

Mr. Clarke, of Darrell Clarke Barristers and Associates confirmed the judicial review of the parking lot and added: "In addition to this, the church has in effect been prohibited from taking any further steps towards development of the parking lot.

"The order was granted in favour of the 70 objectors to the application which was made by the church. I can also confirm that there are somewhere in the region of ten grounds of objection filed in our Notice of Motion and that we intend to vigorously oppose the Minister's decision."

The First Church of God says it only has 100 parking spaces to cater for up to 1,000 worshippers. Overflow parking has been provided at Pig's Field but the recreation area is now due to undergo a revamp.

Last night a Government spokesman said Ms Butterfield could not comment on the planning decision. "It would not be proper for the Minister to make any comment as this is an outstanding court case that is being addressed by the Attorney General's chambers," he said.