A DEVELOPMENT which would reduce car parking spaces at St John's Church in Wembley could prevent many weddings and funerals being held there, it has been claimed.

The church, on the corner of High Road and Crawford Avenue, has parking for 33 cars, and a overflow car park available.

But the YMCA has applied for permission to build a 30-room hostel on land next to the church and eight houses where schoolrooms used to be, reducing the number of parking spaces to 21, to serve both the church and the new buildings.

The YMCA's plans have met strong opposition from local residents, who are against the loss of the open space around the church, and building on the Crawford Avenue frontage. A petition of more than 500 signatures has been raised.

They are supported by Councillor Paul LOorber, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council who has has branded the scheme "stupid".

Councillor Lorber said: "The stupidity of the proposal is highlighted by the fact that instead of providing extra car parking for the YMCA and eight houses, the developers propose to reduce the number by around a dozen."

He has called for the scheme to be discussed by the Wembley Area Forum so that residents can have a say on the proposals for the grade-two listed church. He is also demanding a review of the council's policies on car parking which, he said, represented "an over-development charter" of Brent's residential areas to the detriment of existing local communities.

"If the over-development of the land around St John's is allowed, it will lead to the end of the traditional role for this historic church," he added.

"To protect the interests of people living around the church it will be necessary to impose planning conditions which will prevent the holding of weddings, funerals and other functions involving more than 25 people."