by Alan Watkins

awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk

A fresh application by parishioners to demolish their iconic Holy Trinity Church in Twydall has been scrapped.

Three weeks ago the council's planning committee refused the plans after hearing the 45-year-old church had been hurriedly Listed as a Grade Two building.

The government approved the listing on the recommendation of building and architectural experts.

It was immediately followed by a fresh application for permission to knock down a Listed Building.

Now the church authorities have said they wish to withdrawn the latest demolition proposal.

It was due to be discussed by the planning committee tonight (Wednesday), but now will be withdrawn.

Officers were again recommending councillors should reject the proposal, but that was not certain to be adopted.

Councillors had said they might approve the demolition if the planned replacement was more acceptable.

That is a community hall to serve as the church and for the rest of the ground to be used to provide 23 affordable houses.

Opinions have been split over the proposals.

Supporters of the plan to knock it down say the church is too cold, and repairs would be too costly, but their opponents say there has been no attempt to raise funds for a building which is visible from all parts of the Medway estuary.