Monks' plan to build church in Langdale End, near Scarborough, set to be approved despite objections

The Coptic Orthodox St Athanasius Monastery in the moorland village of Langdale End, near Scarborough wants to build the church in the grounds of what was originally a Manor House built by the Rowntrees chocolate manufacturing company.

But Hackness and Harwood Dale Parish Council says the design is "completely out of keeping" adding that it will be "totally alien in the landscape".

The monks have told the park planning authority that the church aims to accommodate congregations of up to 100 an need space for people to prostrate themselves. The monks fast for nine hours at a time. "The monastery offers the assets of a function room to the local community," its senior clergy say.

Many of the visitors to the monastery will be going by coach. "As monks we prefer our monastery quieter, but if people like to visit, we make them feel comfortable to pray and eat."

Senior planning officer, Hilary Saunders, said: "The proposed church, although larger in footprint, would not be overbearing in terms of scale and height." She added that the church would be well screened.