I must say I was surpised. I would have thought non conforming rights, or non conforming use would have been applicable in such circumstances. I am aware of one case where new neighbours have protested over pre existing activities on health grounds, and STILL the existing business was able to draw on this. If however there already has been a precedent set for a religious building as somebody suggested above, then perhaps there are special cases allowed in the case of places of worship? If so, this is a bit scary IMO - because it enables religious groups (of all stripes) to forcibly shape a neighbourhood.