AN abandoned church could be set to become a community facility after developers applied to build flats and a day-care nursery on the site.

St Mark's Church in Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, could be pulled down to make way for 25 two-bedroomed flats and a nursery when the application is heard in about five weeks by Wycombe District Council.

Chesside Homes Ltd has now put forward the plans. It is the same developer that applied for outline planning permission to turn the building into housing in September but it withdrew after officers raised concern about the change of use and access problems.

The Rev Michael Hughes, superintendent Methodist minister for the Wycombe area, said he would like to see the sited used for the community. Arsonists set fire to it in December.

He said: "The church had to close three years ago. Because the building has stood empty it has become attractive for vandals and it has cost us a great deal of money to keep it secure."

He added it would be a vital addition to the area, adding: "It is very important especially as the cost of housing in the Wycombe area and it is a major contribution to the needs of the community. There is also an increased need for child care and that will present a major contribution to the local community."

Five fire crews were called to tackle the blaze at the church on December 30. The roof was completely burnt but Mr Hughes added that if there had been a slight delay with the fire brigade, the church would have burnt to the ground.

The decision will be reached by Wycombe District Council by March 19.

February 14, 2002 13:38