The reverend of a "condemned church" is turning to an Oxford community in a bid to allow the destruction and future rebuilding of the Grade II listed building.

Planning permission was granted for the Church of the Holy Family in Blackbird Leys to be demolished in April 2021.

This was in response to leaking through the distinctive concave roof on the building. 

Since then the church has been out of action with services taking place in a hall room, and weddings and funerals unable to go ahead.

Oxford Mail: The Church of the Holy Family was built in 1965 and has a distinctive concave roof.The Church of the Holy Family was built in 1965 and has a distinctive concave roof. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

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Reverend Heather Carter said: "It's more than a shame - the fact that people on the estate do not have a place where they can hold a funeral."

An appeal for funding has been made amid a £100m injection of cash into development in the area.

Paul Bedford, treasurer at the church, said: "There is a big hole in the middle of the roof."

Oxford Mail: There is a hole in the church roof.There is a hole in the church roof. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Ms Carter recalled there had been a "real struggle" to get planning permission to demolish the building but now there was a need for funding to enable the project to go ahead.

Linda Smith, Oxford City Council cabinet member for housing, added: "There was leaking in the concave roof.

"It is condemned."

Oxford Mail: A table in the hall currently used for church service.A table in the hall currently used for church service. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Funding for a new church building is not incorporated into plans to redevelop the Blackbird Leys district despite original planning proposals including a new community centre and 21 affordable homes for construction in the area.

Ms Carter said: "It's a shame that we have this bright, sparkly redevelopment and then will have this ruined on the end of it."

The Lye Valley ward councillor, Ms Smith added: "Demolition is sad but it is necessary."

Oxford Mail: A painting done by the wife of a previous reverend.A painting done by the wife of a previous reverend. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Meanwhile, those inside the church have shared their thoughts on the area.

Oxford Mail: Service is currently being held in this hall.Service is currently being held in this hall. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Cafe worker Joey, whose surname has not been disclosed, was busy making dumplings and lamb curry.

He said: "I have always loved working in the Blackbird Leys area.

"I have been on the estate for about 30 years.

Oxford Mail: Joey was making dumplings.Joey was making dumplings. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

"Blackbird Leys is one of the most community-spirited areas I have worked in."

He added the idea for the café had come about from two people and six and half years later "we are still going".

There had been some objections to the church demolition plans at the time of them being put forward.

Oxford Mail: Food bank collection in the building.Food bank collection in the building. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

In response to new graphics published, one resident Doug James publicly posted: “I honestly think you could do way better than what I can see. We have to live with this for the rest of our lives.

“Give God and us a place we deserve, not this - back to the drawing board I say."

Oxford Mail: Graphic of proposed church.Graphic of proposed church.