A LONG-RUNNING saga over a high-profile plot of land in Bury has finally ended with the unveiling of new plans for a new church and community building.

After a lengthy battle, Bolton Road Methodist Church has submitted design details to Bury Council planners.

If the plans get the go-ahead, the new building will stand at the front of housing development on the church's former playing field, alongside Bolton Road and a short distance from the existing old church.

Funds for the new church have been found because the church has sold the sports field to a housing developer after a long-running battle over whether the sports team who have used the ground for generations should be allowed to stay.

The controversy only ended when the developer found Bolton Road Sports Club an alternative site about a mile away.

Architects have designed the building to "meet the needs of the church into the next century", including facilities for a community resource centre. Giving

Ken Newton, project leader for the church, said: "The church leadership is very encouraged by the commitment of the congregation to what will be a million pound-plus project.

"Obviously, the sale of the sports field made the project possible but the committed sacrificial giving of the congregation will be required to fill the gap and bring the project to fruition."

The plans (pictured) have been drawn up by local architects Byrom Clark Roberts.

The plush new premises will provide a main worship space and auditorium alongside lounge and meeting room facilities and a large community hall.

The building is to be constructed using traditional Methodist design with the main hall in an octagonal shape.

Paul Vipond, project director for Byrom Clark Roberts, who lives in Bury, said: "We are delighted to be working with the church to create new facilities which will serve them and the community in the next century as the existing building did in this."

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