A DECISION will be made on whether a new church can be built at a site which is currently occupied by an industrial unit in Christchurch this week.

The proposals by GodFirst Church for the premises at 15 Airfield Road go before Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee on Thursday evening.

A report filed to members by a planning officer recommends granting the application to convert the site into a place of worship, auditorium and meeting rooms, training centre and day nursery.

The officer notes that a significant number of representations, more than 100, have been in support of the plans and the proposal is acceptable in its design and general visual impact.

These submissions in favour of the plan include positive comments regarding the inclusion of nursery facilities, consolidation of community projects and enhancement of a vacant site.

GodFirst is a member of Evangelical Alliance and was previously known as the Family Church.

Meetings currently take place at the Regent Centre and Highcliffe Day Centre with around 300 people in the congregations on a weekly basis.

The church has been looking for a new premises for the last 20 years.

The proposed site's most recent occupiers were technology giant Curtiss-Wright, who have moved to new premises at Bournemouth Airport.

A design and access statement, submitted as part of the planning application to Christchurch Borough Council, said: "In order to allow for anticipated future growth we have been looking to buy or build premises that would include a main auditorium for 500 people, together with ancillary facilities for a crèche, day nursery, day centre, Sunday school, youth work and smaller meeting rooms."

Supporters of the proposal include a number of religious groups including the Water Lily Project, Christchurch Foodbank, based at St Joseph's church, and the Reverend Canon Charles Stewart from The Priory Church.

Writing in support of the application, he said: "I believe GodFirst Christchurch has been in existence for 32 years and has shown itself to be committed to the town and its citizens.

"One recent example was during the Food Festival, when I saw members of GodFirst - including Duncan Lee - on the High Street picking up litter and disposing of it, thus making a significant contribution to the success of that special occasion."

In delivering a recommendation of approval, the planning officer's report says: "Having assessed the material considerations as outlined within the report above, there are not considered to be any matters which would warrant a refusal of planning permission in this case."