PLANS have been submitted to knock down a derelict and fire-damaged church in Birkenhead.

If new proposals are approved, the Rock Ferry Baptist Church would be demolished to make way for five large homes.

The plans to be considered by council officers said: "The existing church is currently in a state of disrepair, having sustained significant fire damage from a number of fires in recent years caused by vandalism.

"Its windows and doors are smashed and boarded up and it remains unused and unrepaired.

"This proposal includes the demolition of the church so that the land may be used for some much sought-after housing."

If plans are approved, they would all have four bedrooms, and would be red brick with tiled roofs.

The development would have five parking spaces, with bins stored in a brick store provided for each property.

The plans for the building on New Chester Road were submitted to the council on December 4 by applicant Peter Hughes.