PLANNING chiefs are to make a second attempt to decide the future of a 148-year-old church at Penketh, near Warrington.
The borough council’s development control committee has already considered proposals to demolish the church, in Chapel Road and replace it with a new church, hall and car parking facilities.
But they deferred a decision after hearing of objections from councillors and nearby residents.
The scheme has divided local opinion, including Conservative councillor Fiona Bruce, who supports demolition, and Labour councillor Linda Dirir, who is opposed to it.
A number of residents joined councillor Dirir in objecting to the plans on the grounds of the significant historic value of the old church and its listing on the council’s schedule of locally important buildings.
Despite planners conceding the new building would be less attractive, they believe the benefits of the scheme will far outweigh the loss of the old building.
The committee will consider the scheme again on Wednesday (April 23).
PLANNING chiefs are to make a second attempt to decide the future of a 148-year-old church at Penketh, near Warrington.
Objectors in bid to save old church
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
