The Reverend David Scrace, of St George's & All Saints Church, Harnham. DA4616P1A SALISBURY vicar believes an historic opportunity to enhance the area around his 12th Century church is being missed and possibly lost forever.

Plans to knock down the Bookers Cash & Carry warehouse on Lower Street, West Harnham, and replace it with 12 luxury new houses will block views of St George's & All Saints Church from the main road.

The vicar of Harnham, the Reverend David Scrace, welcomes the development in principle, as the current warehouse is noisy and can have serious effects on services being held in the churchyard.

However, he feels that the plans, by Greenhawk Ltd, place the houses in a way that will not fully take advantage of the chance to show off the grade II* listed church, which dates to 1115 and sits in a conservation area.

He has made his feelings known in a letter to Salisbury district council, which is inviting comments on the planning application until January 8.

In the letter, Mr Scrace comments: "The redevelopment provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance this setting and make the most of this area.

"This opportunity is being missed."

Mr Scrace has suggested a number of amendments to the plans that he feels would benefit the community.

Most important is the repositioning of two of the houses, which would otherwise block the view of the church from Lower Street.

He is hopeful that everyone can come together to achieve a solution that is acceptable to all.

"We are hoping for constructive discussion with the architects, the council and the residents of Harnham," he said.

Mr Scrace has already had some contact with London-based Kinson Architects, who are acting as agents for Greenhawk Ltd.

"They seemed quite sympathetic to our cause, so we are optimistic that some sort of agreement will be possible," said Mr Scrace.