PLANS for a huge Jehovah’s Witnesses’ base on the outskirts of Chelmsford continue to gather pace.
The International Bible Students Association, the charity which manages Jehovah’s Witnesses’ printing and literature distribution, wants to create a new British headquarters.
The 82-acre site – equivalent to about 15 football pitches – is at Temple Farm, off Ship Road, West Hanningfield.
Plans have moved a step closer after the charity was given permission to demolish the buildings that currently sit on the site.
The plans include a printery – producing Bible-based literature–admin and language translation offices, video and sound production studios, an auditorium, training centre and workshops.
The development can now start to take place as long as developers stick to restrictions imposed by Chelmsford Council, including an archaeological investigation.
The group hopes to begin construction next year.
Until now, the most recent development on the project was the purchase of the rundown Woodstock Motel, in Stock Road, West Hanningfield, in October.
The building, which was dubbed “embarrassing” by Trip Advisor, will act as the “design co-ordination centre” for the development.