A HISTORIC community church could be demolished and replaced with a more cost-effective building.

Old Heath Congregational Church on Fingringhoe Road was built in 1868.

Locally the building is known as the “tin tabernacle”, but it needs extensive work to keep it running.

An application has been submitted to Colchester Council which would see the building demolished and a larger church built in its place.

In a letter to the council, Pastor Dexter Slatter said: “The church has been extended and has also received ongoing repairs over the years.

“However, it has now come to a stage where the roof needs extensive attention.

“In fact, the ten years’ guarantee from the last repair ran out many years ago and we have just noticed a leak in the vestry.

“The external walls, windows and internal flooring with wood rot also require extensive attention.

The walls and windows, which are single boarded and glazed, lose heat and are very drafty.

“After much thought and discussion, the congregation has come to the decision that we cannot continually pour money into repairing the building, which is deteriorating at a rapid rate.”

The proposal is to erect a new part single, part two-storey building.

This will provide a multipurpose hall and meeting place on the ground floor with additional facilities, including a servery, kitchen and reception.

On the first floor, there would be two office areas, plant room and store.

The church previously submitted an application in 2013 but withdrew it due to concerns before it was resubmitted in April this year with amendments.

This application includes amendments to the application submitted in April.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.