A town centre church may not survive – unless new homes can be created in part of its building.

Two sets of plans have been entered for Haverhill’s Old Independent Church, on Hamlet Road.

It is hoped that one of them, for a change of use and development of three “residential dwellings”, will help secure the church’s future – as its current situation is “unsustainable”.

The Grade II listed building is made up of two parts – the church and the hall.

The hall is “greatly underused”, a church statement said, with the premises used only for a handful of community events, for which there are “more suitable buildings in Haverhill”.

Speaking at a planning meeting on Tuesday, Cliff Patten, of Lewis Patten Chartered Architects, said the church has not got enough money to restore both buildings.

He said: “The fact of the matter is that the church income does not allow them to properly maintain these two listed buildings.”

In answering what would happen to the church if planning permission was not granted, Mr Patten added: “The likelihood is that the church will be unable to continue.”

Town councillors ruled to support the applications.

Cllr Roger André, town mayor, said: “I propose we welcome this development because it saves a substantial part of our town heritage that’s deteriorating quite rapidly.”

Four parking spaces would also be provided on the existing forecourt for the three flats.

A further application, for internal and external alterations and construction of a new entrance pavilion, has also been entered by the church.

If permission is granted, a new glazed building will be built on the adjoining garden, providing separate lobby access.

It is proposed that pews below the church’s gallery edge would be removed to form a new social space area.

The church building, which seats around 650 people, has been seen as too large for the current congregation.