to stick to original St Ambrose plans

DEVELOPERS looking to transform a derelict church in Latchford will have to use their original scheme after councillors threw out an amended plan.

Briden Construction already has planning permission to use the site of St Ambrose RC Church on Boswell Avenue.

But members of Warrington Borough Council's development control committee blocked revised plans to increase the size of the development.

They said the revamped scheme to provide two and three-bedroom apartments rather than single bedroom flats would be too large for the area.

Clr Elaine Welborn, speaking against the application, said that while residents accepted that the church had to close, the new building would be more than two storeys high.

She added: "This application is very different.

"The only reason for the change is increased profit at the cost of the quality of life for the local residents."

She added that the new building would dwarf the surrounding bungalows and that there would not be enough car parking spaces for the increased number of people that would be living there.

However, Mark Batley, speaking for Briden, argued that there was only a small difference in the plans.

The church has closed because of a small congregation and due to the poor quality of the building.

Meanwhile, the money gained from the sale of the land has been used to pay off some of the debts at the neighbouring St Mary's Church, where the size of the congregation is still healthy.

The application was turned down on the vote of chairman Clr Garry Cross, after the vote was tied at four apiece.