Controversial plans to completely demolish historic St Laurence Church to make way for an expansion of Southend Airport have been revealed.
Make-or-break proposals have been lodged with Southend Council to demolish the 11th Century church to allow the expansion of the airport.
Bosses claim the "essential changes" are needed to meet safety regulations, although hoisting the building on rollers and moving it 100m as originally suggested has still not been ruled out.
If the church is demolished, a new one could be built either near the existing building or somewhere else in the parish.
An airport spokesman said: "The location of the church causes a breach of CAA safety regulations but airport owners are committed to moving the church intact or giving the parish an alternative building."
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott could have the final say.
Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article