Plans have been unveiled to tear down a former place of worship in an Oxfordshire settlement.

A fresh proposal submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council seeks to erect a six-bedroom property for child welfare services on the site of the former Baptist Church in Marcham, close to Abingdon.

The submission, which remains open for comments until April 10, comes from Safe As Houses Group, a company providing facilities for the care industry.

The district council’s planning committee will determine the outcome of the request in due course.

In supporting documentation, Rosie Williams, who manages projects at the organisation, indicated that the scheme had been thoroughly thought through.

She pointed out that demand for children’s care and assistance across Oxfordshire, particularly within the Vale of White Horse area, remains strong and persistent.

She explained that establishing a modest six-bedroom unit at this address would help meet this requirement and decrease dependence on arrangements located outside the region.

Records show outline consent was previously awarded for a six-bedroom development catering to individuals with complex medical needs, with substantial elements of the current scheme mirroring that earlier plan.

An assessment of the site’s historical significance and potential effects on surroundings indicates the current structures date from around the middle of the last century and possess no noteworthy design qualities externally or internally.

This assessment comes despite the site’s proximity to two protected structures along its southern edge.

The document acknowledges the structures did hold community importance.

It is believed congregations had dwindled in recent times, and the necessity to modernise the facilities led to the site shutting its doors.

A youth activities group subsequently used the main hall before relocating to alternative accommodation.

The premises now stand empty.