A church that has remained closed for three years has been refused planning permission to be turned into a three bedroom house.
Father Peter Harnden wanted to knock down the church built in the 1930s as it was described as having "no purpose" and was described locally as an "eyesore" due to its mouldy and leaking roof.
However, Canterbury City Council rejected planning permission to knock the church down as it was claimed no evidence was provided of the church's lack of use.
What were the plans for the church?
Planning permission was sought for the demolition of St Gabriel's church in order to be replaced with a three bed detached house.
The church that was built in the 1930s was built from corrugated iron but now has a "mouldy and damp roof", "chipped and faded paintwork", and is stood next to an "unkempt garden", according to planning documents.
The plans for the new house were said to only "slightly deviate" from the dimensions of the church.
Why did the Priest want to remove the church?
The church is described as having "no purpose" as there is no demand for the church's services and has remained closed for three years.
"The present building is damp, structurally unsound, has no foundations, and no facilities (in particular for foul drainage), save for the availability of electricity."
The church is described as "extremely poor" and cannot meet its Parish Share - the money the church must pay to the diocese for expenses such as the clergy's salary.
The Parochial Church Council therefore sought to sell the church but first needed to gain planning permission as it was "the most logical and valuable use of the site".
Why was planning permission rejected?
Despite its lack of use Canterbury City Council refused planning permission and an appeal as it was claimed it would result in the loss of a community facility without any alternatives.
The council stated Father Harnden had failed to provide evidence of the church's lack of use, even though it had been closed for three years.
It was also said the plot's limited size would result in insufficient parking and amenity space, creating a cramped appearance and negatively impacting the living conditions of future and existing residents.
The council also ruled Father Harnden failed to demonstrate nutrient neutrality for the development, which could harm the local Stodmarsh Nature Reserve.
It is unclear what plans will now be made for the church.
