Worshippers forced to stand at the back of a crowded church could soon be able to sit down if plans to build a new one are approved

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton wants to replace St Mary’s Church in Pinehurst, converting the current building to its community hall.

The new church in Tovey Road could be built in the car park used by worshippers with a car park constructed on the other side of the site, with an access road.

The diocese says: “The original church, which is still in use, was opened in 1953 and was intended to be temporary until a larger church could be built

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"Since 2010 the growth in numbers coming to church has accelerated to the extent that the Sunday congregation is now larger than the capacity of the existing church, meaning worshippers having to stand at the back of the church, in the sacristy and outside.”

The new building will be nearly three times as big as the existing one, at 707sqm compared to the current 257sqm.

The plans show it will have a “simple rectangular plan and form in keeping with its function and with reference to the simple form of the existing church. It is considered important that the new building is recognisable as a church so that it can be a clearly recognisable both welcoming and celebrated”.

Public responses to the plans range from “designs are beautiful” and “beautiful church, very good design inside and out” to “needs a cross on the building at the gable.”

Concern has been raised by neighbours about parking when services are on, causing inconvenience.