Staffordshire church pews dispute is in the spotlight

St Anne's in Church Street, Chasetown, wants to open up the central part of the Grade-II listed building to create a bigger function space.

Two or three of the pews would go completely, with the remainder being moved to the sides of the church, but English Heritage has expressed concerns and joined more than 40 parishioners in opposing the move. Around 13 people back the changes.

The plans from the vicar Rev Vivienne Hatton were explained at a Consistory Court hearing at the church held by the Diocese of Lichfield. She told the court that the area would allow the church to be used by more groups. A small chapel area for quiet prayer and reflection would also be created with the relocated pews.

The church is seeking permission from the Diocese to move the pews before finalising its plans so it avoids incurring architect and planning costs unnecessarily.

Alan Taylor, inspector of historic buildings at English Heritage, said: "The pews are not, to put it politely, the best aesthetic quality, but they form part of building's character. We want to see how the whole of the building could be used to best effect so we can look at how many pews would have to be removed to allow it."

The Archdeacon of Lichfield, the Venerable Chris Liley, supported the church's plans. He said: "This is quite a large building for a parish which doesn't have a church hall and to be able to use it to maximum benefit is part of our security and stability for the future."

Stephen Eyre, chancellor of the Diocese of Lichfield, is taking written statements until April 12. He will then make a decision on the pews' future.