A CHURCH born out of a Romsey home is planning to build a permanent base more than 40 years since the group began.

Freedom Church has applied for planning permission for a church and community hub in Greatbridge Road.

The group has working been working out of multiple locations but realised the need for a more permanent home in order to bring its church activities and community services under one roof.

The proposal includes a church with a community centre, a prayer space, landscaped gardens and car parking. If successful, the project will produce the largest auditorium and exhibition space in Romsey.

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The land is located northwest of Greatbridge Service Station in the area surrounding Esso and the design aims to be flood resilient and support the natural environment.

Community pastor Ben Tanton said until permission is granted the price and timescale of the project remain unknown. However, the bulk of the cost will be made up by fundraising.

The pastor said: "We are keen to let the people of Romsey know our intentions as we’d love for them to feel up-to-speed and to arouse public curiosity so that people can begin to imagine the community benefits of what we are hoping to deliver."

Freedom Church has led community projects such as Romsey Foodbank, Romsey CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Debt Centre, Job Club, Money Course, Life Skills and support for Ukrainian families as well as running learning and mentoring programmes.

Services such as the food bank are currently operated from a rented unit at Greatbridge Business Park in Budds Lane.

Senior leader, Sim Dendy, said: “We have been a part of the fabric of Romsey for the last 40 years and need a centre to thrive from so that we can do more for the community.

“We want this space to be accessible and welcoming to everyone in Romsey to support the wellbeing and future of the town. Romsey Foodbank alone provides a huge service that needs a larger site so that it can operate more effectively and support more families.”

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In keeping with their aim to support local businesses, the church invited Studio Four architects, based in Awbridge, to help with the plans. The church hopes to use as many local trades as possible for construction and landscaping.

After years of searching, Freedom Church has said it is delighted to find somewhere to centralise its activities and offer a home for the congregation that will hopefully benefit the wider community.

The church team submitted the planning application to Test Valley Borough Council in the week starting Monday, February 6 but the proposal is yet to be made public on the council website.

For more go to freedomchurch.uk/newhome.