The homeless congregation of Stornoway High Free Church has taken a step forward in building a place of worship.
Planning councillors recommended awarding outline planning permission for its proposal
to erect a new-
It includes a number of restrictions and planning conditions.
The vote is very likely to be ratified by the full council next week.
Detailed plans for full planning permission will have to be submitted by the congregation at a later date.
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 congregation has looked at a number of potential sites for a new church. Its
preferred plot is on the edge of a 30-
Planning officials said impacts on neighbouring houses have been properly considered and "do not carry sufficient weight to dictate that the application be refused."
Sixteen people lodged objections to the planning proposal.
Planning councillors back proposal for new church
7 June 2016