A historical preservation group has called for a 19th century church to be saved from demolition.

The Victorian Society has added its voice to the campaign to protect Holy Trinity Church in Blatchington Road, Hove.

The Diocese of Chichester is consulting whether to make the church redundant and has been in talks with a housing association about building flats on the site.

This week a 300-signature petition against the plans was handed to Brighton and Hove City Council.

David Garrard, the historic churches adviser for the Victorian Society, said: "Holy Trinity is an attractive, mid- Victorian building with some unusual features.

"It's a local landmark and many people have told me how much they value it and the sense of gravity and continuity it brings to the area. It's part of our national heritage too."

Holy Trinity Church was designed by James Woodman in 1863. It stands in a conservation area and in 1992 was Grade II listed. The Victorian Society has written to the diocese urging it not to allow the building to be knocked down.

Mr Garrard said: "According to the Government's planning policy guidance, there is a whole series of requirements that must be satisfied before such a step is justified and even then demolition should be a last resort.

"We have seen very little evidence that these requirements have been satisfied in the case of Holy Trinity. We urge the diocese to think again."

Anne Giebeler, Brighton and Hove ward councillor for Goldsmid, handed a petition to the council on Thursday. She hopes the building can be saved, if not the church.

She said: "This is what we are all fighting for. As far as people attending churches, they are very few.

"We must try at all costs to keep the building whatever is done inside it. I suggested it should become a multidenominational church."

The diocese is also considering closing Brighton's landmark St Peter's Church, known as the cathedral of the city.

David Guest, spokesman for the Diocese of Chichester, said it was a very long process to decide what should happen to a church.

First everyone concerned is asked if the church should be made redundant. If a decision is taken to close it, they will be consulted about what should be done with the building.

Mr Guest said: "The Victorian Society has in some depth expressed its interest.

The diocese is certainly aware of that and interested.

"The reason for a long process is so any objections or thoughts might be pursued. No decision will be made about the building until quite some time in the future. The same applies to St Peter's."

Hyde Housing has suggested replacing Holy Trinity with affordable flats and a community centre. It says it would be impossible to provide a high standard of accommodation inside the church.

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