DURRINGTON campaigners fighting to turn a disused Roman Catholic church into a community centre were celebrating last week, after councillors refused planning permission to demolish it and redevelop the site for residential use.

But members of Salisbury district council's northern area committee did warn they might reconsider the application if it could be demonstrated that an alternative community use was not a viable option.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, in Philip Road, was closed in July 2003.

At the time, the Clifton Diocese said that, due to its condition, they were unable to insure the building for public use.

Because of this, and the proximity of other Roman Catholic churches to Durrington, the decision was regretfully taken to close the church.

It was then put up for sale, in March last year.

But despite several calls from potential new owners, the church has not sold, and so an outline application to redevelop the site was submitted in October.

Since then, campaigners have been fighting to save the church and convert it into a community centre.

Their idea is to make the church an all-purpose centre, offering such activities as youth work, a coffee shop, a drop-in centre and counselling.

Julie Linton, a member of the campaign group, told councillors at last week's northern area committee meeting: "It would be a great loss to our village if the church was not used by our community.

"After all, villagers raised the money to have Our Lady Queen of Heaven built some 43 years ago, and it has been a vital part of the community ever since.

"I would like to see the building returned to the people who live here."

Both the chairman of Durrington parish council, David Healing, and Councillor Judy Greville argued that there was no need for an additional community facility.

Councillor Greville said: "The last thing on earth we want is another community centre because it would be a drain on village finances and it would have to be sustained by increased taxes - no one wants that.

"There is also a lack of adequate parking there and a vast sum of money is needed to make the roof safe.

"Let's have it for some affordable housing instead."

But most councillors felt the a new community facility could be central to the social life of Durrington, and until there was sufficient evidence to demonstrate otherwise, they would refuse planning permission.

In the end, seven councillors voted against the plan and only one in favour.