PLANS to demolish Bolton’s former Theatre Church will go before the council today.

The application by private investors to demolish the building, a weddings and function venue in Seymour Road, Astley Bridge, was being discussed this afternoon.

The owners, who bought it for £500,000 in summer 2012 from Bolton Methodist Circuit, say the building is in a state of disrepair and they have no choice but to knock it down.

Several organisations have objected to the plans, urging the council to provide money for an alternative venue to be used by amateur theatre groups who previously rented the building, if it is approved.

Margaret Collier, from Bolton and District Civic Trust, said: “National bodies, The Victorian Society and the Theatres Trust have voiced strong objections to these proposals.

“Both advocate continued community use of the building, for which theatre groups had raised £300,000.

“Both have identified that the National Planning Policy Framework needs to be complied with, and that this proposal breaches it.

“We urge Bolton Council planning officers to recommend refusal here and hope that elected members will reject this scheme.”

Follow our live updates from the planning meeting online at 2pm.