Planning permission is being sought to turn a property in Stevenage into a place of worship.

Restoration Life Ministries UK wants to turn currently vacant offices on Leyden Road into a church.

The unit is currently owned by industrial cleaning company Jardak Services and let to Restoration Life Ministries UK, who have applied to Stevenage Borough Council for permission to change the use of the building.

"The proposed use is to enable Restoration Life Ministries UK to have a permanent building in the town to meet their worship needs," a supporting planning statement says.

"There is an active membership of the church, on a regular basis, of approximately 30 to 50 people.

"Attendance takes place Monday to Friday 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.

"It is hoped that Stevenage Borough Council can adopt the view that allowing this change of use to a non-commercial use in a commercial area is an acceptable exception, namely that a prospering and active community facility is more beneficial to the residents of Stevenage than a small, otherwise empty commercial building; the loss of which will not undermine the council's strategic employment policies."

To view the planning application, visit the planning portal at stevenage.gov.uk and search for reference 23/00137/FP.