A CHURCH can finally be rebuilt using fundraisers’ money after councillors gave it the go ahead.

Friends of St Michael’s Church, in Daws Heath, spent two years raising the £400,000 to replace the current building – a rotting, timber former Army hut dating back to the First World War. The new church will be a U-shaped purpose built centre.

Their plans had been cast into doubt after Castle Point Council officers recommended it for refusal, but councillors went against their staff and the new church can now be built.

Ken Jones, chief fundraiser, said the new building, which will feature an additional community room and memorial garden, would benefit the community.

He said: “We want the church to be more visible. We want extra space for our growing congregation. We propose a community room with modern, cosy facilities for small community groups.

“Essex Wildlife Trust say this is a potential space for school groups wanting to come and enjoy the woodland.

“The local community is very supportive.”

Friends of the church raised £250,000 for the new building by taking part in a skydive, rock climbing and other activities.

Two unnamed benefactors donated £100,000 while the Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marches Trust gave £50,000.

Planning officers had recommended the application was turned down on green belt grounds because it is bigger than the existing building, but councillors said they should use a “common sense approach”.

Norman Smith (Con, Boyce) said: “I think as a committee we are not just here to pass everything our officers recommend, we are here to deliberate and sometimes put the common sense approach. It is replacing a building well past its sell by date. There is all sorts of issues with that old building.”

The application was passed with only two councillors against. The application will now go back before a planning committee meeting on March 23 so conditions can be attached to the permission.