What may seem to many of you to have been a very low-key affair is about to move into a different stage.

The scheme was initially submitted in May 2000 and, in line with current government guidelines, we should have received a decision at the end of July. Alas, that was not to be. Our scheme kept being deferred for various reasons – "awaiting public response" - "awaiting the views of the Highways Authority" and even "insufficient time to fully consider the proposal".

The Architect, Stephen Crichton and myself, finally managed to meet the Planners in October when certain revisions were made to our original scheme to satisfy some concerns of local residents. We were able to convince the Planners that all their concerns had been addressed and we were given an indication that our proposal would be supported.

After yet another deferral, our proposed development scheme was finally scheduled to be placed before the Planning Committee of Preston Borough Council on 15^th January 2001.

Although it may have seemed that nothing was happening during all the delays, many people had been working hard to make sure that we were progressing in the right direction.

We have taken the advice of one of the country’s leading Tax Consultants, KPMG, to address the question of V.A.T liability. Contrary to advice received from Methodist Property Division, it seems that we will be able to have a substantial amount of the projected works zero rated for VAT, with a potential saving of several hundred thousand pounds. We have also formed a Limited Company – Fulwood Methodist Developments Ltd – which may enable us to make further savings.

We organised an "Open Day" for local Councillors to visit the church, closely examine our plans and question our intentions. Without exception, they left expressing total support for the scheme with its obvious benefits for the local community.

So what happened on 15^th January ? After a detailed presentation of the scheme, the Committee unanimously determined to give "delegated Approval" to the Assistant Director of Planning, subject to his satisfaction on minor details to the windows at the rear. The feeling of the meeting can best be summed up by the comments of the Mayor, Councillor Joe Hood. "This scheme must be encouraged. It will provide significant facilities for the local community."