THE future of a historic church is expected to be decided tomorrow.

Ashdale Construction wants to convert the vacant Tottington Road Methodist Church, in Harwood, into three townhouse-like properties.

The developer is also proposing to build a further six detached homes around the church.

The proposals do not include the church’s graveyard, which will continue to be maintained by Harwood Methodist Church.

Tottington Road Methodist Church closed in 2009, following a merger with Longsight Methodist Church.

The sale of the church, which dates back to 1890, to a developer will help to fund the building of a new multi-purpose community centre in Longsight.

Bolton Council planning committee members have been advised to approve the application to develop the green belt land.

Town hall planning officers said that the benefits of the scheme ‘clearly outweigh’ the loss of green belt and any negative impact on the Riding Gate Conservation Area.

n Follow live coverage of the town hall planning committee meeting from 2pm tomorrow at theboltonnews.co.uk