A popular church hall has been thrown a lifeline but it may not be enough to keep it open.
Members of Maldon District Council's central area planning committee last night refused proposals to demolish All Saints' Church Hall, in London Road, and replace it with housing.
But the church had handed over the outline and full planning applications itself, claiming it can no longer afford to run the hall.
Despite some councillors agreeing that the church may decide to close the hall even if the applications were refused, the majority voted against the move.
When the proposals first came to light, the Rev David Atkins said the hall was costing "a great deal of money" to maintain and keep to legal requirements, adding there had been discussions about extending the side of the church, in High Street, if the hall was lost.
Councillors said knocking down the hall would result in a loss of a community facility and went against the officers' recommendation.
Published Thursday, April 24, 2003
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