A CHURCH has launched an appeal after its bid to demolish and replace its building was turned down.

Old Heath Congregational Church, in Fingringhoe Road, Colchester, submitted an application to Colchester Council in December to createalarger, more cost-effective property.

The building, known as the “tin tabernacle”, needs extensive work to keep it running.

However, the council rejected the plans, saying the new church would be “inferior in design”.

It said more evidence would be needed to show repair and extension work could not be achieved.

The proposal was to build a new part-single, part twostorey building. It would have provided a multi-purpose hall and meeting place on the ground floor- with additional facilities, including a servery, kitchen and reception.

On the first floor, there would have been two office areas, plant room and store.

Church leaders have submitted an appeal to the planning inspectorate to challenge the decision.