PLANS for a new church on a controversial site in Camden Square are being submitted for consultation this month.

St Paul’s Church is inviting people to give their views on the plans in a bid to avoid the objections that were raised last time a planning application was lodged for the site.

Church bosses hope to build a new home on the square which they describes as a “light and airy new church” – however it is likely nearby residents will have objections to the plans.

Secretary of the conservation area advisory committee Hugh Lake said: “There will be opinions about anything to do with architecture – it won’t please all of the people all of the time. There is absolutely no way you can put up a building without criticism – it is the nature of change.

“We are delighted the churches as developers are giving the local people an opportunity for comment before a formal application is made.”

People have already been involved in the design of the plans but many more have been kept in suspense and will be looking on with interest at the consultation taking place on Sunday week (May 15) at 3.30pm and the following Friday (May 20) at 7pm in St Paul’s Church on Camden Square.

Father Philip North, team rector for the parish, said: “Our aim is that the new buildings provide a beautiful place of worship, as well as shared spaces that will bring our community together.

“Our church is suffering from wear and tear and was only ever meant to be a temporary building. In contrast, the new church will blend well with Camden Square: a peaceful building full of light, space and quiet.”

Cantelowes councillor Phil Jones said: “That is a very valuable area, one of the most beautiful squares in Camden and much loved by the local residents so it will have to be a very high quality design to be accepted, but I will reserve judgement until I have seen the plans and spoken to residents about their opinions.”