AN historic Sidemoor church, which dates back to the 19th century, could be demolished to make way for a housing development.

The site of Bromsgrove Christian Church, in Broad Street, has been earmarked for one pair of semi-detached homes and five terraced properties to be built.

Plans also include six spaces for cars.

The church has been a focal point of the community since it was built in 1838 and began life as the Ebenezor Methodist Church.

Because of dwindling congregations Bromsgrove Christian Church started to hold its meetings there around ten years ago.

It recently submitted the outline planning application for the housing project to Bromsgrove District Council.

But a senior minister of the group, now called New Song Community Church, claims there are no plans for change in the "foreseeable future"

Peter Billingham said: "We have no plans whatsoever to demolish the church.

"We put in the outline application to see where we stand should we want to put in plans in the future."

The authority's planning and highways committee approved the scheme on Monday .