Plans for a controversial community church in Billericay are back under the spotlight.

However, one councillor has branded the application "atrocious".

Billericay Methodist Church received permission for the building on a site next to Alyssum Walk in Queens Park back in 1997 amid concerns it would be too close to residential properties.

Church leaders have now applied for an extension to the first floor area to allow the church to expand in the future.

The Rev Celia McDonald, minister at the church, said it had been frustrating getting everything in place for the application.

The church has spent the last three years settling legal technicalities and securing grants to help fund the ambitious plans.

Mrs McDonald added: "This application does not make the building larger but will make it possible to put in a first floor room above the lower level at a later date.

"It makes more economic sense to do it at this stage rather then doing it and later realising what we could have done."

Mrs McDonald said if an extension was added it would be a small one which would not be out of proportion with nearby homes.

It is likley to comprise one large room earmarked for worship and community bookings alongside a series of smaller rooms and 13 parking spaces.

Matt Barr (Lib Dem, Billericay West) said he had always had concerns about a church at Queens Park adding that there were more than enough churches in the town.

He added: "What is most worrying is the proximity to homes. I can't feel anything but sympathy for the people who are going to be backing onto that site.

"It is an atrocious application."

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