CONTROVERSIAL plans for "the most exciting building project Alvechurch has seen for 150 years" have been revealed.

Leaflets showing how the extension to St Laurence's Church will look have been delivered to homes in the area.

The Advertiser reported in July the Worcester Diocese had given the plans the green light - even though the scheme caused controversy.

People objected to the design of the modern hall, which will sit beside the ancient church.

The sale of a plot of land to fund the project also created uproar but permission has also been granted to build five houses on the land off School Lane.

The new building will include toilets, catering facilities, office and storage space, disabled facilities and a hall, plus a car park with 28 spaces.

Work is likely to start soon with completion in autumn next year.

Alvechurch rector The Rev David Martin said: "I'm pleased we are now in a position to embark on the most exciting building project Alvechurch has seen for 150 years.

"An extension to the parish church has been sorely needed for decades but it has taken nine years' hard work to find a design that satisfies all requirements and meets with the approval of the various regulatory bodies."

He added: "This we have now achieved thanks to Michael Reardon, our outstanding architect.

"His design is bold, imaginative and definitely of the 21st century but he has skilfully fashioned his design so as to complement the various other styles of architecture found in the parish church, which is no mean feat."