A CHURCH conversion has been approved -despite a history group's objections.

Cannon Street Baptist Church, Accrington, a Grade II listed building, will be made into 16 residential flats.

National charity, the Victorian Society objected because many internal features would be hidden or removed. But Hyndburn councillors approved the scheme by Prestwich-based Y & Y Developments after hearing the church had become a target for vandals.

An initial proposal for consultation with the Victorian Society was withdrawn. The group agreed the new plans have improved but are still not ideal.

David Garrard, historical church adviser at the Victorian Society, said: "It is still a very intrusive conversion and is going to be very damaging. The church will never have anything like its original character. It would have been better to look for a more sympathetic use."

Coun John Griffiths, chair of the planning committee, said: "It is important to take into account the views of the Victorian Society but it is also important to find a sustainable solution."

The sandstone and slate built church will be divided into five three-bedroom, seven two-bedroom and four one-bedroom units. It closed in October 2006 because of high maintenance costs.

Worshippers now share Anglican facilities at Christ Church, off Manchester Road.