A CHURCH in Charfield is hoping a new housing development will help cover the cost of returning the building to its former glory.

Charfield Congregational Church has submitted an application to South Gloucestershire Council for the demolition of 60 Wotton Road.

The church wants to demolish the next door building, which it owns, to make way for a small housing development of up to 16 properties on land to the rear of the church. This second application for the housing is yet to be made to the local authority.

According the church 60 Wotton Road has been empty for more than eight years and is too expensive to renovate. The church has said it will use the money from the development to continue its renovation of its chapel.

John Waldock, chairman of the church’s trustees, said in the application: "It is our opinion that this is the only way to refurbish and preserve the church, the main charity; the unthinkable alternative would be to do nothing and allow both buildings to become ruins."

Pegasus Planning, the agents acting on behalf of Charfield Congregational Church, have said the proposals are for 16 two, three, four and five bedroom houses. Access to the site would be from Wotton Road using the land made available by the demolition of 60 Wotton Road.

Daniel Weaver, from Pegasus Planning, said: "As well as providing housing the applicant will also spend significant funds to renovate the church as it has become some what run down and help to provide an improved community facility for local people.

"The proposal will also involve erecting a purpose built car park for the church.

"The application will take 13 weeks to determine and information will be available on the council website shortly."

To view the demolition application in full visit, www.southglos.gov.uk Members of the public have until Wednesday, June 15 to comment. The application for the housing is expected to be made by the summer.