THE minister of Chiddingfold Baptist Church and the village's ex-servicemen's club are at odds following the club's withdrawal of an offer of parking spaces.

A planning application to build new meeting rooms at the church included an offer from the club to allow the church to use its car park on Sundays.

Rev Tim Langdon was upset to hear the ex-serviceman's club in Woodside Road had withdrawn its offer in the interests of its own members.

He claims this action may jeopardise the church's application to build the extension which he believes is vital.

Earlier this year, the church applied for planning permission to build an extension and undertake alteration work.

The extension is planned to to accommodate worshippers and children attending the Sunday school and creche.

Rev Langdon said: "We desperately need those rooms. The rooms we have to use at the moment are not large enough to accommodate the number of children who come to our Sunday school classes and creche."

However, when the club offered the use of its car park, complaints were received by members and residents. The proposal was was subsequently scrapped.

Secretary of the ex-servicemen's club Liz Hall said: "Our interests are in putting our members and local residents first and foremost. The chairman made this decision on these grounds only."

At a meeting of the southern area development control sub committee, last month, concern was raised by councillors David Harmer and Jacquie Keen about the parking problems in the road. At this stage the club had not withdrawn their offer of parking space.

Mr Harmer said that although he thought the parking situation near the church was "difficult", he did not see that the council would have any grounds to refuse permission.

Councillors heard that 15 letters of objection had been received.

Concerns included fears that the alterations would not be in character with the rest of the village, that greater use of the access drive would adversely affect neighbours, and that lack of parking spaces would lead to more parking on the road.

The planning sub-committee decided to defer its decision until an inspection of the site had been made. A final decision is expected on October 10.

The extension and alteration work would not increase the overall capacity of the church and Rev Langdon said that it would only be used for church- organised events.

"The number of people attending the church should not be affected by these alterations, so I do not see how the extension would make the parking problem any worse."

He added: "I would sincerely like to see these parking problems resolved.

"Our work at the church is for the benefit of all of the village. We do not want to compete with the club in any way. The meeting rooms will be used for the children on Sundays and by our congregation."