Some 16 objections have been lodged against the construction of a new church in Stornoway.

But planning officials recommend awarding outline planning permission to Stornoway High Free Church's plans for a new-build church on Smith Avenue including a large car park to the rear.

Councillors will debate the issue next week.

The congregation has been without a permanent home since splitting with the Church of Scotland two years ago.
The bulk of worshippers in Stornoway High Church left the denomination over its decision to allow gay ministers and the departure from Biblical teaching. They later joined the Free Church of Scotland.

The plot on part of a forestry plantation, planted about 30 years ago, opposite the athletics track and car park on Smith Avenue is owned by the Stornoway Trust.

A canal  - constructed by Lord Leverhulme so herring boats could avoid the long voyage around Point and sail from Broadbay to Newton - runs nearby.

Residential houses line the same side of the street as the planned church. The running track, a large car park and the Nicolson Institute drop-off area are across the road.

Planners point out other buildings of a similar scale - like the Bethesda Care Home and Stornoway Health Centre, as are the Comhairle offices and the secondary school - are nearby so the church would not change the character of the area.

A report says objectors are concerned about the loss of trees and green space, the impact on wildlife and habitat as well as the effect on drainage so close to the canal.

There are alternative buildings and sites available for the development, say objectors.

Noise and excessive traffic as well as the loss of privacy have also been raised.

Fears about rats are not a material planning consideration and the report says they may not even be a problem.

Road safety concerns over parking and access and overdevelopment on the street are other issues put to the council.

The removal of trees and impact on wildlife are material planning considerations say planners and some replanting will be required. Only 12.5% of the trees of a larger area of largely coniferous planting will be fell which is "not considered to be an undue adverse impact."

The report adds having a new church building in an "already developed urban area will not affect the character of the area as a whole and the overall integrity of landscape
character is maintained."

The council's technical services department have no concerns over surface water flooding while there will be a planning condition over drainage.

The site is not within a designated area nor hosts any protected species. Wildlife is unlikely to be affected as there will be plenty of habitat left to support birds and any other animals, highlights the report.  

Some representations stress "there are enough churches in Stornoway."

Others highlight having Sunday opening "where nearby sports facilities are not open."

One objector commented: "The church would be built adjacent to the only shop open on a Sunday and would reduce progression away from the outdated Sunday laws.”

Planners say impacts on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties have been properly considered and "do not carry sufficient weight to dictate that the
application be refused."

They recommend a number of restrictions and planning conditions.

If in-principle permission is granted by the council, a full planning application will required to be submitted at a later date.