A GROWING church congregation has led to expansion plans.

A proposed scheme has been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council seeking permission for an extension to The Beacon at Park Road in Blackburn.

Part of the extension would be taken up with a café, as well as increasing the main chapel floor space at the building, previously known as Elim Pentecostal Church.

A spokesman said: “Due to the church congregation steadily growing in numbers, the existing chapel has reached its capacity and as such it is proposed to expand the church by increasing the ground-floor main floor area by the provision of single-storey rear and side extension and the provision of internal alterations.

“It is also proposed to provide a public access café as part of the works and assist further in the church integrating further as an important social hub and meeting point for the local community.

“The main church will be provided with a crèche and junior congregation area.

“This extension will increase the main chapel floor space for the church, and will allow the church congregation the scope to grow, and expand and better serve the community needs.

“The first-floor area that is currently used for the crèche will be used for an office/general meeting room and storage.

“The existing toilet block is to be renovated to offer better-equipped facilities, and additional toilets are to be provided as part of the proposed works."

The application will be considered by borough planners before a decision is taken.