Plans to demolish and replace spire at St Peter's Church, in St Helens

The proposals for St Peters C Of E Church, in Parr have been sent in to council planners by Reverend Clive Doran.

The application seeks permission to “take down and rebuild part of the existing spire which is unstable”.

It states the “upper part of the spire is unstable as it has lifted due to corrosion of metal inserts” and that “structural engineers have reported” on the issue.

A ‘Statement of Significance’ in the plans sets out the church’s historical value and importance within the community.

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Plans state the building was created in 1864-5, designed by J Medland Taylor of Manchester, and built by John Middlehurst and his son William, after an original church was destroyed in a fire.

St Peter’s underwent a renovation in 2019, when the interior was reordered in 2019 and pews were removed and a new kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms were created within the back aisles and the building was reroofed.

The statement adds the Broad Oak Road-based Anglican church is of “historical value” and the “aesthetic values at St Peter’s Church are also high, contributing to the significance of the church”.

It states: “St Peter’s Church is a living building at the heart of its community. The communal values are very high and derive from its religious significance, commemorative, symbolic and social values, all of which contribute to the life and mission of the church which is there for the people of Parr”.

The interior of St Peter's Church (Image: Schafer Associates (St Helens Council Planning Portal))

As well as being a place of worship, the building used regularly for baptisms, weddings and funerals.

It summarises that “St Peter’s Church is a living building at the heart of its community”.

A separate identical application seeking 'Listed Building Consent' has also been submitted due to the church's status as a Grade II-listed building.

The planning applications are on standard consultation to the public until Tuesday, February 6.

A decision is expected by council planners by March 12.