A NEW church could be built in Weymouth after planners gave their blessing to revised proposals for a scheme they had previously rejected.

The project by trustees of fire-ravaged Maiden Street Methodist Church hit trouble last month when proposals for a new church in Melcombe Avenue were rejected because of the 'overbearing' new building and because of the effect it would have had on neighbouring properties and the character of the area.

But councillors said at the time they were sympathetic towards what the trustees were trying to achieve and they encouraged them to negotiate with officers to try and overcome members' concerns.

Now a new church scheme is poised to go before Wednesday's meeting of Weymouth and Portland planning and traffic committee which councillors will be recommended to accept.

Changes have seen the building's bulk significantly reduced by the removal of the third floor and the height of the two-storey section reduced by 300mm while other measures include fencing and reduced car parking.

The proposed church is now to be two-storey with the front part of the building being single storey with a lean-to roof and gables over the chapel and entrance canopy.

The main sanctuary is proposed to have an octagonal roof plan and pyramid roof light while the rear section of the building is to have a hipped roof to minimise its mass and impact.

Ground floor facilities will include a sanctuary open to the ceiling, a side chapel, foyer, vestry and office as well as a Sunday school room, meeting room, kitchen and toilets.

The first floor comprises a gallery overlooking the sanctuary, a hall which may be sub-divided to form an extra room, kitchen and toilets including one disabled. There is also a lift and stairs.

Residents' comments range from one that the revised scheme contains no apparent changes to one that it includes considerable improvement.

Planning manager Simon Williams says in a report to the meeting: "The scheme now before you has aimed to address the previous reasons for refusal."

He will recommend councillors to accept the scheme subject to ten imposed conditions including materials, landscaping, screening, glazing and access.