REVISED plans to enlarge a Bransgore church are to be debated by New Forest district councillors.

The original scheme to extend Bransgore Community Church, a former Naafi building in Shackleton Square, was withdrawn a year ago because of concerns about the risk to nearby trees.

Now the district council's tree officer has looked at the plan and raised no objection providing conditions are put in place for careful pruning.

Bransgore Parish Council is still objecting to the plans on the grounds the extension will reduce the number of available parking spaces from 17 to nine.

Parking problems already exist, exacerbated by churchgoers' vehicles which are parked on nearby roads, say parish councillors.

The increased number of parked vehicles cause "significant road hazards and significant environmental damage" they claim.

However, the district council's planning officers, who recommend councillors grant permission, say that when the car park fills, church-goers' vehicles can go into the nearby public car park.

The single-storey extension to one side and the rear of the church is in keeping and would allow room for more community facilities and an enlarged hall for worship.

Toilets and storage facilities are also to be improved.

Planners say there will be no privacy problems and hours of use can be restricted by conditions to prevent noise nuisance.

"In conclusion, the proposed extension would provide improved community facilities, and this has been designed to take the opportunity to enhance the existing building and would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"It is considered that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the amenities of the surrounding area or threaten the protected trees."

Planning development control committee members will decide the issue on Wednesday.