Birch Colchester campaigners 'up in arms' over church demolition

St Peter’s Church in Birch is set to be torn down by the Diocese of Chelmsford as a result of its deteriorating condition.

The Grade II listed building will be replaced with a memorial garden in which it is hoped "people can find beauty and tranquillity".

The decision to demolish the church has been long disputed by residents and in the past campaigns have been staged to try to save the church.

Previously, a prospective buyer even stepped forward to rescue the building and obtained planning permission and listed building consent.

Following a series of discussions, assessments, council meetings and setbacks, however, the project fell through.

Activists have now voiced their upset after the demolition of the church was given the go-ahead, and they are now desperately trying to save its spire.

A spokesman for the Save Birch Church group said: "After several decades spent campaigning to save Birch church, or at least just to save the spire, the church has declared the battle has been lost and its demolition is now imminent.

Historic - St Peter's Church (Image: N/A)

"Surely over the decades of outrage, public campaigning and tireless efforts from many individuals to save this beautiful building, the Church of England with their vast coffers could step up and do the right thing?

"The whole procedure has been done with the utmost lack of care and concern for the local community and 85 per cent are against demolition.

"Apparently a remembrance garden will be left for the local parish to enjoy - but the diocese had no answers as to who will pay for its future maintenance.

"The community are up in arms."

Bosses at Diocese of Chelmsford have now responded to the disappointment being felt throughout the village.

A spokesman said: “We understand the considerable frustration felt by some residents during this period and we have worked hard to be responsive whenever concerns have been raised. 

Demolition - The church is set to be come a memorial garden Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

"After exploring all options, the decision to remove the church building and build a memorial garden on the site is the only viable way forward.

"It is important the views of residents are heard as we develop plans for the memorial garden so it can be a place that benefits the local community. 

"In July, we held a public meeting and we were pleased that residents suggested a local liaison group be established to help us engage with and hear the views of the local community about the memorial garden.

"We will also be organising an online consultation to enable people to have their say on designs for the garden.

“Residents who would like to get in touch with us directly or find out more about the memorial garden can visit our dedicated website - chelmsford.anglican.org/birch-memorial-garden.”