Pastor Vince Goddard wants to expand the infrastructure to build a bigger church, classrooms for a primary school and extend the parking facilities with a plan for a mobile clinic to occupy a parking bay some days of the month.

Six residents raised their concerns about the extension.

Ward councillor Annette Deppe called a meeting between Goddard, the six residents and the church's engineer to discuss a way forward.

The residents said they were already affected by the noise of the church, prayer services which were emitted through speakers, the noise of the children after Sunday activites and the traffic. They were worried about the disturbance the extension would bring to the area.

Goddard said as the church was too small, the speakers were needed to compensate for church goers who had to sit outside during services.

Goddard apologised for the disturbance the children made on Sundays. "We have addressed this issue and already a neighbour has said the noise situation was better," Goddard said.

The new church would accommodate 350 congregants per service and would be soundproofed and air-conditioned to minimise noise.

Deppe said the proposed services were essential in Sunninghill.

"A primary school and a clinic are needed in this area and 35 families from Sunninghill, and more from other areas, attend the church. There are by-laws to manage traffic and noise."

Town planning consultant Rinus Brits said the application to extend the church had been sent to the city council's development planning department.

"The land has rights so I don't foresee a problem in getting approval." Yet Goddard wants the community to approve the extension before the project goes ahead.

"The church should be seen as part of the community and should be felt needed.
It hopes to continue to play an active role in welfare projects and meet the community's needs.

We respect our neighbours concerns and want to work with them."