Plans to demolish the tower at a Southampton church have been given the go-ahead - despite fears over the potential impact on bats.
A proposal supported a proposal submitted by Tiny Toes (Southampton) Ltd, which is converting the disused St Jude's Church in Warren Avenue into a day nursery.
Tiny Toes wants to reduce the tower to roof level after identifying what it describes as "significant structural issues".
It asked the council to confirm it could carry out the demolition under permitted development rights without the need for formal planning permission.
A demolition statement submitted to the authority said: "The builder has concluded that the work to rectify the tower is unviable, particularly in view of its lack of function for the day nursery use."
The statement said the building was not listed, adding that the tower was no longer needed to call people to worship.
"The loss of the tower will reflect the loss of its religious function. The main building will retain sufficient stature in the street scene in its own right."
READ MORE: Updated plans for new nursery at the former St Jude's Church in Warren Avenue, Shirley
A council report said: "The applicant has provided a structural survey to support the application, which concludes that the tower should be reduced to roof level to avoid further structural damage."
The council's ecology officer objected to the proposal, saying the tower was capable of hosting bats.
The report concluded that prior approval for the work was not required but added: "An informative will be added to advise the applicant of their duties under the Wildlife Act to ensure there is no harm to protected species."
READ MORE: Tower at St Jude's Church could be demolished after issues found
As reported in the Daily Echo, the nursery will cater for up to 120 children.
An application to convert St Jude's was approved in 2022, despite a large number of objections to the loss of a place of worship.
The application said: "Whilst the proposed use is not a 'community facility' it does offer a vital community service and will see the retention of the church building.
"The church is no longer viable within this particular community and has been offered up for alternative use by the diocese.
"The locality comprises a relatively high density of family houses forming a tight residential community close to Southampton General Hospital and other care facilities where there is likely to be a high level of demand for the service proposed."
A council report said the nursery would help meet a recognised need in the city.
It added: "The scheme would not be out of character and would not cause significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents, local parking or highway safety."
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