STRONG objections have been submitted against plans to turn a much-loved church hall into a home.

Mistley with Manningtree Parochial Church Council has submitted plans to convert St Mary’s Church Hall in New Road, Mistley, into a single four-bedroom home.

The hall has been registered as an asset of community value, while around 20 residents and Mistley Parish Council have put forward objections to Tendring Council.

Andrew Lee, Mistley Parish Council clerk, said: “The council objects to this planning application as the church hall has been a valued asset of the local community for more than a century and want it to continue as such.”

Vivien Edwards, of Oxford Road, said: “I object to this application as this hall has been used for public and village functions for many, many years.

“The hall was gifted to the parish, the church took over the running of it and the church have only recently applied to the land registry to have the hall put into the church’s name.”

“There is a need for this hall in the community.”

John Brien, associate minister at St Mary’s Church, said: “Following advice, the church council is making a planning application to Tendring Council for a change of use for the Hall, to allow residential use of the existing building.

“This would not stop any buyer continuing to run the hall as a community facility.”