A CHURCH could be demolished and rebuilt along with new housing, if councillors agree to the plan.

Proposals by the Union Congregational Church, in Pall Mall, Leigh, are being recommended for approval by planning officers at Wednesday's meeting of Southend Council's development control committee.

The church wants to rebuild its current place of worship, which is subject to a dangerous structures notice, and include two flats, as well as three neighbouring terraced townhouses.

Two plans have been turned down by councillors, but officers feel the new design is more appropriate.

Environment director Andrew Lewis says in his report: "The recent refusal decision was made for design reasons and effectively establishes redevelopment of the church hall with housing as acceptable in principle.

"Assessment of the previous scheme concluded the proposed new church did not form a focal point in the same way as the existing building, nor were its form and architecture appropriate to its purpose."

Mr Lewis said the revised design had made significant changes that improved the scale, proportions and design.

He said: "The inclusion of a large cross to the front adds to the character of the building, as well as forming a focus for the design and making the building more ecclesiastical in appearance.

"It is now considered the proposal would make a positive contribution to the street scene."

The Rev Stan Hamberger, pastor at the church, said he hoped they would be third time lucky with the proposals.

He said: "The building has got to come down before it falls down. I'm paying £1,000 insurance a year on a building I can't use.

"The new building would be modern and wouldn't need improvements for 25 years. I'm over the moon they are recommending it again for approval, but this did happen last time."

If the development is approved, it is expected to take about a year for the old church to be demolished and a new one put up in its place.