A planning application has been submitted to demolish and replace a section of Hitchin's St Mary's Church which has fallen into disrepair.

The plans, submitted by the church's vicar Reverend Christopher Bunce, would see the north wall and boiler house roof of the listed 14th century building knocked down and rebuilt.

The structure, which is believed to have been built in the 1930s, is beginning to show signs of deterioration with large cracks appearing the brickwork.

"The asphalt-covered concrete roof will be rebuilt because it is cracked and because the crudely formed penetrations for flues are in the wrong place," the planning applications reads.

"It will be replaced with a timber roof covered in asphalt. The reason for the change to timber is based on ease of construction and adaptability."

The demolition of the north wall may also "not be necessary", according to the application, but work may need to be carried to stabilise the structure due to cracking.

"It might not be necessary to demolish the entire north wall, but in case it is, that is included in this application," the plans continue.

"The existing wall is in disrepair. There is a steel beam within the fabric below the parapet and above the doors. This has rusted and expanded cracking the masonry.

"The wall will have to be taken down to at least that height, so that the steel beam can be removed. This steel is not structurally necessary for the door openings or to stabilise the parapet."

The boilers themselves are also set to be replaced after reaching the end of their service life, with plans also in place to install a ground source heat pump as part of efforts to make St Mary's carbon neutral.

"The new boilers will be much more efficient than the existing ones which are at the end of their service life," the application adds.

"In the medium term the boilers will be removed and be replaced by a ground source heat pump, as the church seeks to become carbon neutral. At that time the flues will be removed and the roof made good."

To view the plans, visit pa2.north-herts.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do, and search 24/02372/FP.