To the proposers of a scheme, the citation of “health and safety” issues might be viewed as an “objection of last resort” when used as an addendum to other objections or the sole reason against a particular course of action if no others can be found. Not infrequently, such objections are accompanied by the inclusion of an analysis of the proposed scheme by a person or consultant with expertise in the area [Ref 1].

Both elements were considered recently in Re St John the Evangelist Hurst Green [2025] ECC Swk 3 which, in the context of the provision of a community hub within the church building [2], the petitioners sought permission to remove the plinth of the font [Ref 2]. In its current position the font inhibits the use of the space at the west end of the church; if it is moved “a little to one side, this will provide additional usable space. In the event the funding was not available, but the PCC still want to encourage community use of the church, which moving the font would facilitate” [6]. Continue reading →