DISTRICT councillors have rejected a request to sell off a piece of land in Sandylands, Kendal, for a new purpose-built Jehovah's Witness meeting place, preferring to safeguard the site for possible affordable housing.

The Kendal Highgate and Parkside congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses had expressed interest in buying the South Lakeland District Council-owned land, which lies between the back of 1-5 Rydal Road and 32-40 Whinfell Road, to build a new place of worship following the sale of its premises on Highgate.

But members of the council's Cabinet were advised that the land had the potential to be used for affordable housing, and suitable sites - particularly ones owned by the council - were rare.

Councillors agreed the council should retain the land for future affordable housing.

After the meeting, Mark Scarffe, a member of the Parkside congregation, said it was a shame the proposal had been turned down, but added the council had been helpful in dealing with the application.

He explained the former first-floor meeting place on Highgate had been sold because of poor access for elderly and infirm members of the congregation.

Mr Scarffe said they would continue to search for a suitable site, ideally around a third-of-an-acre, in the town centre.

In the meantime, the two congregations are meeting in rented accommodation.