PLAN to demolish a church in a bid to make way for new homes are to go back under the microscope.

The old Parkfield Baptist Church, in White Horse Avenue, Halstead, has been earmarked for demolition after Braintree Council’s planning committee gave the green light to plans to build four semi-detached homes on the site in April.

But now the plans have been delayed after the developer was forced to make alterations.

The interior size of the homes had to be increased to meet national space standards.

It means the proposals must go through the planning process again.

Halstead Town Council will have the opportunity to make a recommendation.

It was previously opposed to the homes on the grounds of overdevelopment although it did not oppose the demolition of the church.

The disused building has raised safety concerns.

The church is abandoned and has fallen in to disrepair, with overgrown vegetation and smashed windows.

The move to demolish the church also sparked debate among residents, with some feeling the church should be restored and turned in to an asset for the community.

Halstead Town Council will discuss the new application on Monday.