DECISION day is approaching for Redbridge’s largest Anglican congregation as they wait for a green light to begin a multi-million pound church redevelopment scheme.

Plans to improve facilities at All Saints, in Woodford Green, have been in the pipeline for nearly half a century, but church-goers are praying that permission will finally be granted on Thursday (June 11) for work to begin on a £3 million plan to construct two new landmark buildings at the site.

The project would see the grade II listed church joined to its hall for the first time via an eyecatching glass and steel ‘link’ building, which would also serve as a resource centre.

The scheme would also involve the construction of a new annexe attached to the hall, which would feature a function room and other community facilities.

A garage and store are also planned for the site.

Rev Paul Harcourt, who has helped lead the project said it would play a vital role in helping the church to connect with the wider community - particularly the young, disabled people and the elderly.

He said: “It has taken years for us to get to this stage.

“We have a growing congregation of currently about 600 people, and we have needed to create more room on the site for years.

“We are currently having to use a mobile cabin at the back of the church for youth meetings, which is not ideal.

“There aren’t many community facilities for young people in Woodford Green at present.”

Rev Harcourt said the new buildings would make using the site more comfortable and pleasurable for church-goers.

He said: “People get wet and cold walking from the church to the hall. The link building will make it much nicer for people to use.

“We have worked very closely with the council to ensure the plans are in keeping with the surrounding conservation area and ensure the current buildings remain dominant.

“We’ll just have to wait and see what the decisions is.”

Planning officers have recommended that councillors grant permission for the scheme, provided a number of conditions are followed, including provisions for the protection of existing trees and shrubs in the church grounds.

Visit the Guardian website on Thursday for the result of the planning hearing.