PLANS to modernise and adapt a 13th century church has been given the green light by a top churchman.

The Parochial Parish Council of St Michael and All Angels Church, Highworth, has proposed a £1.1m series of changes to the grade one listed building.

This was met with a lukewarm reaction from residents who branded it “vandalism” and a petition opposing the plans garnered more than 600 signatures.

A website, Respect St Michael’s Church has also attracted opinions from the community.

And when the plan came before Mark B Ruffell, acting deputy chancellor for the Diocese of and judge of the Church of England’s Consistory Court, it was met with approval.

He gave the go-ahead for new toilet facilities, underfloor heating, re-siting of sculptures, re-siting of the font, replacement of the pipe organ with a hybrid digital organ, and new lighting and wiring.

And Reverend Geoff Sowden, chair of the Parochial Parish Council, said while St Michael’s was adapting to the needs of the time, its history was not under threat.

“It allows us to take our mission forward, to open up the building for all sorts of events. It gives flexibility for the use of the inside space.

“Hospitality, in terms of heating, comfortable seating, toilets and kitchen will become far more possible.

“The appropriate planning authority has agreed with the majority of the proposal, that will enhance the original architectural vision of the building, while providing flexible use for worship or community use.

“The gospel of Jesus Christ always remains the same but over the years the church has adapted the means of proclaiming that same gospel. For this generation we are doing the same.

PPC secretary and part-time organist Alf Fortnam added: “It is improving a building appropriately as you would improve your own home.”

Planning permission for the scheme has already been granted by Swindon Borough Council.

Plans to remove the wooden gates from the porch of the church and replace them with glass doors were refused, although internal glass doors won the judge’s approval.

The Ancient Monument Society branded that aspect of the scheme as something that “conjured up an office block rather than an ancient church.” The church dates back to Norman times.

Other opposition to that aspect of the scheme came from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and Historic England.

As part of the scheme the church’s Victorian pews will also be removed and passed onto another church or sold.

However, judge Ruffell objected to original plans to replace them with metal legged chairs and ruled that replacements must be made of stained wood.

He also refused the creation of a room above a new kitchen.