A campaigner fighting to save a Victorian church from demolition has welcomed the withdrawal of the plans.

Norman Jennings opposed plans to knock down 140-year-old Cowper Memorial Evangelical and Congregational Church, which has been closed for over a year, at Beazley End.

Plans were lodged by church owners, the Trust of Evangelical Fellowship and Congregational Churches, to demolish the church and build two homes.

Now the application has been withdrawn Mr Jennings, 67, said: "I myself am pleased that it has been withdrawn."

Mr Jennings, of Panfield, encouraged people to write to Braintree Council objecting to the plans.

"I have spoken to other people who did put in other representation letters and they feel the same."

The council received about 20 letters of opposition, including letters from Braintree MP Alan Hurst and Essex County Council.

Published Thursday, January 9, 2003

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