A building next to a Grade I Listed church could be demolished and replaced with a new three-storey building.

Greyfriars Church has applied to replace its current church centre, adjacent to the 14th century church on Friar Street, with a new one which would include a rooftop garden.

The current centre includes a sports hall, café, bookshop, meeting rooms and offices.

READ MORE: Matchbox replacement Neighbourhood to open in summer 2020

Reading Borough Council (RBC) planning officers have recommended the planning applications committee approve the proposal at Wednesday’s (March 4) meeting.

Case officer Anthony Scholes said: “The proposed development will improve the appearance, and setting of a listed building, and provide an improved community use.”

The existing church centre is not considered to enhance the setting of listed building.

READ MORE: Missing £3,000 being paid back to Whitley Community Development Association

Historic England has also given its support to the plans, describing the new building as relatively modest in comparison nearby developments and far away enough from the church so it does not obscure important views.

The church, completed in 1311, is said to the most complete example of Franciscan-architecture in England in use as a church and is one of six Grade I listed buildings in Reading.