PLANS have been submitted for an extension and creation of a new lounge area for an East Dorset church.

Wimborne United Reform Church has applied to officials for permission to extend the ground floor of their site in Chapel Lane.

The development would create a new lounge for gathering and a view through the church from the garden.

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A design and access statement submitted with the application said: “The historic environment is a shared resource and of value to us all Securing the ongoing use of this church in a sustainable manner will enable the continuing enjoyment of the building as a church and wider community resource.

“This will preserve its significance in all respects. Failure to accept any changes to the status quo would be likely to see its demise as a place of regular worship and wider community use.

“Everyone should be able to participate in sustaining the historic environment.

“This church building presents a wonderfully democratic opportunity of enabling change in a carefully managed manner, providing it is enabled through its custodians – the Trustees and church members.

“Understanding the significance of heritage assets is the starting point for effective conservation.

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“Successful conservation is about managing change to a heritage asset and its setting in ways that will best sustain the asset’s significance.

“The significance of the asset will be maintained by the appropriately managed change proposed. The addition of the facilities which are expected in current asset users thinking, will secure improved and increased use of the building.”

The statement added the extension would be in a “discreet location” to the south of the church.

Matching brick, slate roof and glazing would be used to “harmonise” with the existing building.

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It said: “The scale of the building externally and internally is in keeping with the ‘gothic’ style of churches; it offers a largely open space within, which makes it extremely viable for community activities, concerts and performances, without diminishing the importance of the worship space.

“The gothic aesthetic of the original church will externally remain original and unchanged, due to the proposal being situated to the rear elevation.”