A CHURCH at the heart of a controversial community debate over its future is not of "sufficient architectural interest" to be listed, the government has announced.

Headless Cross Methodist Church, Evesham Road, has been planning for four years to demolish and redevelop its 1897 building because of dry rot.

The move sparked concern from nearby residents keen to preserve the history of the area and particularly the church's unique open spire.

But in a surprise move, the church has now withdrawn its application for planning permission and says it will re-evaluate the needs of the community and its outreach resources.

Church treasurer Terry Bill said: "Although the decision of the Secretary of State is 'no listing', Redditch Council has indicated the building will be considered under the Draft Local Plan 3 and the church has been left with no option but to withdraw the outline planning application presently lodged.

"But as the original decisions to redevelop the site were made four years ago, the church is to re-evaluate the needs of the area by speaking to agencies and review its own mission and outreach vision at Headless Cross."

Mr Bill said essentially it was "back to square one", though he personally still hoped for a redevelopment.

More than £140,000 had already been raised towards the project.

Campaigner Graham Hemming said the church was one of just two in the country with an open spire.

Mr Hemming said: "It has immense historical and architectural value for the area and even the Victorian Society is convinced of its importance.

"If they want a new hall, why can't they just demolish the buildings at the back and rebuild those?"