The idea of a parish room in the curtilage of the church, replacing a temporary building in the vicarage garden, has been mooted for almost longer than people can remember.

The proposed new building will be at the west of the church, linked via a door which is currently not used.

The building will not only have a major room, for use by the Sunday school and other groups, but also space for a small meeting room, a parish office, a kitchen, storage, and, most importantly for those travelling long distances for weddings and funerals, lavatories.

Planning permission has now been granted for the building which will be set into the ground with French windows opening on to an amphitheatre-style space.

Although there has been some argument that the development is too big, unnecesary and in the wrong place, the majority of the congregation want it.

The building will be made up of stone, tiles and oak beams and cost around £350,000.