Plans to give a neglected and unloved church a breath of fresh air have been unveiled.

Cyprus Road Gospel Hall in Faversham has been left to rack and ruin following the end of Christian Brethren services in the town.

But in papers sent in to Swale Borough Council (SBC), Auston Hart Investments and architects DHA Planning revealed hopes of transforming the venue.

It told planning officers: “Cyprus Road Gospel Hall has remained vacant for some time.

“The site was on sale for a considerable period of time although there was no interest for the site as a church or church Hall.

“Discussions with Harrison’s, the agents who marketed the property confirmed that there was no interest for a community use.

“As well as this, nearby community facilities include Faversham Activity Centre, Hot Tin Arts Centre, Faversham Assembly rooms and West Faversham Community Centre.

“The site is located in a highly sustainable location and suitably located for a class E use.”

The extent of the potential works is not expected to be massive, with drawings accompanying planning documents showing minor adjustments such as the building of a stage in the main hall and a pool table.

Under its potential new Class E use, the church could be free to host retail units, eateries, indoor sport and recreation or a day nursery amongst others.

It is not yet known what could be eyed up to fill the void left behind by the closure of the hall.

However, it would be a step away from previous proposals to bring down the hall and replace it with a pair of four-bed homes.

Announced in August 2022, the plans were branded “intimidating and invasive” by residents who objected to the scheme alongside the town council and the Faversham Society.

The Society claimed the proposed homes were “too dominant”, out of keeping with the rest of the area and would harm the conservation area.

The town council agreed, adding that the design of the four-bed homes is “inappropriate” and the houses too tall.

Auston Hart’s initial project was snubbed by SBC officers the following month but a resubmission of the application is still awaiting determination subject to a sequential test.