A CHURCH has become so successful leaders are proposing to knock it down.

Elders and trustees of Dorchester Pentecostal Church have applied to West Dorset District Council to knock down the Cambridge Road church and replace it with four flats.

But if planning permission is granted the elders hope to move to a new venue to accommodate the growing congregation.

A letter submitted to the council from the elders and trustees of the church said: 'We are looking to move activities to a larger, better-equipped building within Dorchester district.

'We are looking to move for a number of reasons.

'Firstly we have seen a growth in our membership and have already this year needed to hire larger halls for our meetings on several weekends.

'Secondly, we are seeking to expand our activities, which would require a better-equipped building. Our building built in 1935 would require extensive modernising and expansion to continue to house us.' The church says it attracts a congregation from towns and villages across Dorset and that was putting pressure on parking in an already busy area.

It adds: 'Finally, we are aware that our style of meetings are louder than the traditional church meeting, we would like to move a building where this would not impact on neighbours in a negative way.' It added: 'As a church we are committed to staying in Dorchester and building on the work which has been going on for many years.' Members of Dorchester Town Council's planning and environment committee raised no objections to the scheme, which includes parking for four vehicles.

The district council will make the final decision.