CONTROVERSIAL proposals to convert a former church into 10 apartments have been refused by planning chiefs.

Plans for Hope Church, on Crosfield Street, were turned down by the development management committee at the Town Hall last Wednesday.

Members refused Fast Move Properties' application due to concerns that the development would amount to 'overdevelopment'.

There were also concerns that there would be a 'poor quality of natural light and natural ventilation, which would result in a poor quality living environment'.

Residents and councillors had complained about the plans for the church, which was last used in 2015.