PLANS for an extension at a Worcestershire church have been approved.

Officials at St Philip and St James Church in Church Lane, Whittington, applied to Wychavon District Council for planning permission to make a number of changes at the church at the start of this year.

Now plans to remove an existing portacabin, demolish a single-storey lean-to and to build a single-storey extension on the north side of the church have been approved.

The extension will mean there will be room for meetings, a toilet and kitchen facilities.

In a parish magazine, church officials said: "Planning permission is a first and important step on the long road to achieving this major and exciting project.

"We fervently believe it is our Christian duty to provide care and support for all who live within our parish area, whether they worship with us or not.

"Furthermore it is our duty to secure the future of a place of worship and the grounds that form part of our local and national heritage. In order to fulfil our responsibilities, we intend to extend our church building to replace the temporary cabin that currently provides limited meeting space, catering facilities and disabled toilet access.

"It is our aim to provide a new space, attached to the church, which is a place of welcome for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a place where people can come and meet friends, join in with activities that interest them, spend quiet time if they want it, get help or support if they need it. The new extension will provide space to support health and wellbeing for all the community, hospitality for all ages, and opportunities for learning.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about the proposals can visit the church on Saturday mornings between 10am and noon.

The church will now begin fundraising for the work.