A SENIOR church judge has overridden objections by parishioners to plans to remove some of the traditional church pews from a church in Sutton-in-Craven.

The plan for removal of the pews and introduction of upholstered chairs to replace them at the Church of St Thomas, has the backing of the vicar and church wardens.

Now, despite concerns raised by two parishioners, Colin Wiggan and Mrs B Taylor, Mark Hill QC, chancellor of the Diocese of Leeds, in his capacity as a judge of the Church of England’s Consistory Court, has given the green light for the scheme.

Mrs Taylor, claimed that the ambience of what she described as "this lovely church" would be spoilt if the centre aisles contained a mixture of modern chairs as well as some of the original oak pews which would remain under the scheme.

However, Mr Hill in approving the plan questioned whether the public benefit of the alterations, which will provide more space in the church building, outweighs any harm that might occur.

In answer to that question he concluded: “I am in no doubt it would.”

He noted that the building is a Grade II listed church, but argued that in his assessment the harm, if any, would be very little.

He continued: “The gain, and potential gain, in terms of the mission of the church in the community – including but not limited to the worshipping congregations – is considerable.”

Speaking after the judgement was announced, the Reverend Helen Collings, the new vicar of Sutton with Cowling & Lothersdale, voiced her support for the planned changes.

She said: "St Thomas’, Sutton-in-Craven, has been given permission by the diocesan chancellor to remove a small number of pews from the south aisle, and to replace them with chairs.

"This popular and well-supported plan was under way some time before I arrived in the parish – I only became vicar a couple of weeks ago – but I am delighted to endorse it.

"I understand that there can sometimes be worries when work is undertaken on an historic building, but I am confident that in this case the work will enhance our building.

"We’ll be able to use the space more flexibly, for the benefit not only of the church but of the local community."

St Thomas Church in Main Street was built in 1869. As well as its Sunday and Wednesday services it holds choir meetings on Monday evenings and a Sunday school.