Cross being erected at Dundee church this week

WORK is expected to begin soon to re-instal a cross at a Dundee church after a planning mishap.

Members of the board of Gilfillan Memorial Church installed a 12ft cross on the rear of their building overlooking Dock Street in October last year.

However, it was taken down from the B-listed Whitehall Crescent building just a month later as the church had not sought planning permission for the religious icon.

The structure was originally put up between the second and third floors of the church but permission is required for any large signs or advertising billboards put up on the side of buildings.

Church interiors are exempt from listed building controls due to what is known as ecclesiastical exemption.

However, alterations to the exterior of a church must still go through the planning system, so the church submitted a planning application in March.

Permission was granted under delegated powers by Dundee City Council on April 17.

The decision notice stated: “The application has been granted because the proposed wooden cross would maintain the character of Gilfillan Memorial Church and the surrounding central conservation area.”

Church secretary Bill Allan said the work was “in hand” and is scheduled to begin some time this week, weather permitting.