A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a new community hall in Burford has been redesigned after objections from residents.

Last year, St John the Baptist Church submitted a scheme to expand nearby Warwick Hall, in Church Lane, to create the new hall.

But some residents said extending the building into the churchyard would be “insensitive”.

The church withdrew the first planning application and has now submitted a revised version to West Oxfordshire District Council.

Design changes to the Grade II listed hall include replacing an entrance lobby, due to extend into the churchyard, with an entrance set into the churchyard wall.

One tree will have to be removed and one unmarked gravestone will be relocated under the new plan.

The Rev Richard Coombs hopes the new facilities will be used by more community groups.

He said: “It should be a very good amenity for the town.”

As well as refurbishing the existing building, the work will create a new 200-seat hall, meeting rooms, cafe and toilets. The church owns the hall, but it has been leased to Burford Town Council for the past 30 years and the lease runs out next month.

The church is looking for major contributions from the existing congregation and is also seeking grants from trusts and charitable bodies.

Funding is being finalised, so that work can start next year.

In a statement on the church’s website, Mr Coombs added: “We have collated the issues raised and have produced a redesign that properly addresses these concerns.

“We hope the new scheme will enable the local community to support the project moving forward.”

Groups that will be able to use the new facilities include an Age Concern day centre, the town council, residents’ associations and community groups.

Burford and Carterton North East county councillor Jim Couchman said: “This is one of the most historic churches in the Cotswolds and the initial proposals were not acceptable to the town council.

“But there have now been some modifications, including lowering the height and new profile of the new hall.

“Burford is not over-blessed with meeting rooms or places to hold community functions.”

West Oxfordshire District Council received the revised plans last week and the application is expected to be dealt with in the next few weeks.