CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a derelict church and build a block of flats have been given the thumbs up by Wycombe District Council.

A shroud of uncertainty had been hanging over St Mark's Methodist Church, Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, since councillors granted provisional permission in July 2004.

But work will now go ahead as planned, to build 25 two-bedroomed flats, after developer Chesside Homes agreed to make a financial contribution to transportation in the area.

A council spokesman said: "On April 21, 2004, the development control committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a legal agreement.

"This agreement, to make a transportation contribution, has now been completed and planning permission was granted on July 1," they added.

A decision was made to close the church in 1998 when congregation numbers dwindled, and then a fire gutted the building in 2002.

Plans to redevelop the site were first tabled by Chesside in 2000, but were rejected by councillors following strong opposition.

Goddard Planning Consultancy, representing Chesside, said the development would "improve the area".