A MIDDLEWICH church has been given the green light from planning chiefs to make changes to its new base.

Middlewich Christian Centre has been granted permission with conditions to change the use of Pochins Sports and Social Club, on Brooks Lane, from a club into a church.

The new premises will be Middlewich Christian Centre's first permanent home since the church was established in the town almost 25 years ago.

Church representatives signed the lease for the property in March for a minimum of four-and-a half years with the potential to stay on for nine years.

Planning officials granted permission providing the flat attached to the club is inhabited solely by an employee of the church as a minister, youth or community worker, or the widow or dependents of such a resident.

Work must start within five years of permission being granted.