A Coventry church has applied for permission to make changes to their building in order to "bring them into line with the surrounding environment".

The Warwick Road United Reform Church, Warwick Row, is hoping to make several improvements to its premises to give their organisation a more commercial appeal.

Among the proposed changes are removing the present frontage, which was an addition made in the 1960's, in order to display the original design of the building.

Dr Graham Page, Chairman of the trustees for the church believes that the move will give the city centre a huge boost.

He said:

"When the church was built it was actually in a residential area, but now we find ourselves in the commercial centre of the city.

"We had to make a decision as to whether we would move away from the site, or do something special with the property that we had got, and that is what we are going to do.

"The improvements will also include slight alterations inside the church to build a new reception area, and also to change the old pews for new more comfortable seats.

"The auditorium is used for concerts and various other performances so although worship is the most import thing to us, we have also made these changes with that in mind."

The Church also has plans to build on the back of three other properties they own in Warwick Row, including the construction of a restaurant and health club.

These will link with the new 'Oasis Centre' on the back of the church, giving the church facilities to aid the community. Dr Page said:

"We are going to use this area for a nursery and a day centre, which will both be open five days a week.

"These changes have been talked about for nine years now, and the old buildings that are currently at the back are unsightly and difficult to maintain.

"Our new rooms will include a hotel quality kitchen and spacious area, allowing us to cater for weddings, dinners and other occasions and helping to breathe some life into the city centre."