An unholy row has erupted over replacing uncomfortable pews at a 14th century church in Rainham.

The Rev Judy Henning, vicar of St Margaret’s in the High Street, wants some of the traditional seating removed and comfortable chairs put in its place.

But the proposal has led to a wave of protest from the Victorian Society, a conservation group which monitors changes in old churches.

Such was the anger of members the matter had to be adjudicated by John Gallagher, chancellor of the Diocese of Rochester.

In a written challenge, the society said it wished to “register strong objection to the proposed chairs which will cause gratuitous harm to this highly-listed building.

“They make no attempt to blend in with the existing joinery or character of the building.

“The incongruous and inappropriate design and colour of these chairs will cause harm to the character of the church.”

The Rev Henning and churchwardens Janet Garnon-Williams and Desiree Willis launched a petition to oppose the the society’s challlenge against the offending furniture – stainless steel-framed seats with blue upholstery.

But Mr Gallagher, presiding over the Church of England’s Consistory Court, agreed the changes could go ahead, pointing out that nobody from the society had visited the church before registering the complaint.

He said their decision has been based solely on photographs.

Mr Gallagher said the church, a Grade I-listed building, was undoubtedly of special architectural and historical interest.

But church-goers supported the plan for the new chairs on the basis they would be more comfortable than the old pews.

He said: “ I do not accept that the provision of chairs, which will be used only for high attendance occasions, could be said to be such as to affect that special character of the church.”

The new seating arrangements are part of a £63,833 facelift, which includes extending store rooms beneath the organ pipe cabinets and improving the hot water radiator system.

The court hearing has delayed the church’s refurbishment plans and cost money.

Mrs Garnon-Williams said the improvement project had been discussed for several years, but they have had to wait three months for the outcome.

She said: “It’s irritating. We are not removing all the pews, just the ones at the back, so we can be more flexible.

“And as we are the applicant case law says we have to pay the £800 costs. It’s frustrating that the society objected without even coming down to visit the church.”