Planners are recommending the demolition of a landmark Bingley church - but they are also advising councillors to refuse current plans for its replacement.

Bradford Council planning officers have backed proposals to demolish Grade II-listed Mornington Road Methodist Church, built in 1874.

But they are asking councillors to refuse plans for 12 houses and a new purpose-built church on the site which could seat 200.

Shipley area planning committee meets next Monday to decide whether to accept the recommendations.

More than 170 letters have been received in favour of the proposal, with 20 against.

Church members want to demolish the building because of the unrealistic cost of maintaining it. Only 50 people regularly attend services in a building designed for 1,350.

If councillors decide in favour of demolition, a planning inquiry could be called by the Secretary of State for the Environment because the building is listed.

Shipley area planning officer Peter Bridgman said: "The demolition is recommended for approval but there are two provisos.

"If the committee approves it, it has to go through to the Secretary of State to allow him to 'call it in'. And it is also subject to an agreed redevelopment scheme for the site."

But he said the current redevelopment proposal had been recommended for refusal on design grounds.

Jeremy Burgess, circuit steward for Bingley and Shipley Methodist churches, said: "I am disappointed that the recommendation is for refusal for the proposals that we have put forward.''

Church steward Michael Scargill added: "We would be optimistic that the planning committee make a positive decision. And I am sure that our architects are working to get the redevelopment in a form that people would be satisfied with."

And Margaret Sharp, a member of Mornington Road for 16 years, said: "Naturally I want it to come down. We can't afford to keep it, it's as simple as that."

Shipley MP Chris Leslie, who has fought hard against plans to demolish the church, said: "I am disappointed at the recommendation. It would be a tragic loss for Bingley's heritage and I will be asking the councillors on the committee not to accept that recommendation.''

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