PLANS to build a new community centre in Dalston by extending the village’s historic St Michael’s Church have been branded “immoral” by one of its opponents.

Church officials say that the £465,000 scheme - which has been in preparation for several years - will create a valuable and much needed community facility.

But retired University of Cumbria lecturer and local resident David Wilson, who lives near to the church, said the money could be far better spent on deserving charitable causes, such as alleviating poverty. 

The proposed extension has already won planning approval but church officials are conducting a public consultation exercise before giving the final go-ahead.  

Planning documents outline how the proposed new centre would consist of a one-storey extension to the north of the church, providing a “multi-purpose” function room, library space and disabled toilet.

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The church - a grade ll listed building - dates from the early medieval period but was it was significantly altered in the 18th and 19th century. 

Mr Wilson said: “This will probably be the last chance people get to object to this extension, which is unnecessary, and largely unwanted.

"The scandalous cost could be better spent on charitable needs."

“The funds would be much better spent on projects that truly reflect Christian values and urgent charitable needs such as child poverty and famine. I regard it as a vanity project.

Mr Wilson said that he was not against "progress" but he claimed that Dalston currently has more than enough potential venues for community events, including Dalston’s Victory Hall, Caldew School, and a local Methodist church. 

“People don’t realise what is happening,” he said. 

He challenged a claim that there was “widespread” community support for the community centre project, adding: “There were 29 objections and only 9 people in support.” 

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The first comment by a local resident who is against the scheme, listed on Carlisle City Council’s planning website, summaries the views of many objectors.

It states: “I am strongly opposed to this absurd idea. It would be a destruction of English heritage. 

“I have been fortunate to have travelled a bit of this world and I have seen that England has some of the most beautiful churches and heritage. I grew up in Dalston passing this church regularly. I have known the village and this church since I was a young boy...

“I cannot understand why this is even being proposed; the church doesn't need this ugly facility. It will ruin the church....The village has plenty of halls and facilities already.” 

Among the comments supporting the plan was this one: “Using [the church] mainly for church services, baptisms, weddings and funerals means the building is grossly under-utilised, rendering the associated expense an ineffective use of valuable financial resources.  

“The planned extension would enable the building to be constantly used for a wide variety of community purposes, not necessarily worship, in a pleasant, safe and comfortable setting.

“The church welcomes everyone - and is one of the few organisations that exists for the benefit of its non-members."

The rationale for the project is set out in the planning application, which  states: “The proposed extension to St Michael's will provide a modern, flexible and well-equipped facility alongside the historic building. 

“It will ensure that congregations work in the community can grow and develop, enabling the church to continue as one of the 'hubs' in the village today and well into the future, enhancing the quality of life for as many people as possible.  

“Within the last 2-3 years a new estate of 120 properties has been built in the centre of the village. Dalston is ever growing and evolving.  

“The community centre project will be a part of this, encouraging newcomers while continuing to develop strong community spirit. The population of the village is approximately 2500 not including the rural area beyond the village boundary. 

“The proposal accords very much with Church of England’s thinking and that of the Diocese. The future of village churches depends entirely on 7-day a week use by the whole community.” 

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A spokesman for the Diocese of Carlisle said: “Plans for a community centre extension at St Michael’s Dalston have been worked on for several years and there has been wide community consultation on this matter. 

“The Diocese of Carlisle welcomes the fact that congregations across the county to continue to look at new ways in which their buildings can be upgraded, made more accessible and provide further community space. 

“Indeed, the proposed development at St Michael’s Dalston would see a new function room and entrance, a library and office and conversion of the existing vestry to form a new accessible toilet and kitchen. 

“All of this would be to the benefit of those people who regularly use the building, whilst also opening up new possibilities for other potential users as we look to grow God’s Kingdom in Cumbria. 

“It would represent a significant financial undertaking but after prayerful consideration it is one which the Parochial Church Council feels guided by God to undertake to benefit both churchgoers and the wider community in Dalston. 

“The proposed development is, of course, subject to two separate planning procedures. It has gone before a Diocesan Advisory Committee and also the Local Authority as well as being tabled before Historic England and the Victorian Society."

The spokesman added that church officials awaited the outcome of the various planning  procedures. Most of the cost of the extension would be met by the church, though more than £100,000 would come from grants.

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