PRESTBURY residents are reeling at church plans to build on top of graves dating back 1,500 years.

Proposals to renovate St Peter’s Church include an extension to the ancient structure, with an annex to sit over interred remains.

Tombs and headstones would also have to be moved, but the the vicar, Reverend Patrick Angier, says the controversial plans are necessary to keep the church alive, with room for village organisations, storage and amenities.

He added: "Churches die if they don’t fulfil their role, they become just a fossil. We have dozens of new families and children coming here and you need to be open for them."

The listed church, which can trace its roots back to the 1200s, is courting opinion from parishioners. An open day was held on Saturday, July 11, with architect plans on show and the footprint of the proposed extension pegged out at the north east corner of the grounds.

The idea is still in its infancy and would need the green light from planning bosses and the Diocese of Chester.

Radar and archaeological work will be undertaken to establish what remains lie there. Current plans would see the £500,000 addition built on stilts to not disturb any remains, which are buried two and half metres underground. But tombs and headstones would have to be re-sited.

"We are not going to touch the graves which are buried underground," said Rev Angier.

"The question between the monuments and the graves is what is the relationship between the two. Many of the monuments have been moved around over the years.

"The exact number of monuments to be moved depends, but we’re not talking about the removal of bodies."

The church is hoping to start work "next year" and has half of the funds already. It aims to get more by borrowing money secured against Ford House – a former village community centre which the church has been unable to sell in the economic downturn.

Councillor Lillian Burns said: "Councillors have discussed this at length, there were many views expressed but we haven’t come up with any official opinion becuase it is yet ot be submitted as a formal planning application."