A PLANNING application has been submitted seeking to demolish and rebuild part of a church’s spire has been withdrawn.

The proposals for St Peters C Of E Church, in Parr have been sent in to council planners by Reverend Clive Doran.

The application seeks permission to “take down and rebuild part of the existing spire which is unstable”.

It states the “upper part of the spire is unstable as it has lifted due to corrosion of metal inserts” and that “structural engineers have reported” on the issue.

Plans state the building was created in 1864-5, designed by J Medland Taylor of Manchester, and built by John Middlehurst and his son William, after an original church was destroyed in a fire.

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St Peter’s underwent a renovation in 2019, when the interior was reordered in 2019 and pews were removed and a new kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms were created within the back aisles and the building was reroofed.

Plans stated: “St Peter’s Church is a living building at the heart of its community. The communal values are very high and derive from its religious significance, commemorative, symbolic and social values, all of which contribute to the life and mission of the church which is there for the people of Parr”.

As well as being a place of worship, the building used regularly for baptisms, weddings and funerals.

It summarises that “St Peter’s Church is a living building at the heart of its community”.

A decision notice on the plans confirmed they have been withdrawn. A reason for the withdrawal was not cited but the applicant was told if they intent to resubmit to discuss any amendment with the planning officer.