Plans for the £750,000 revamp of an historic church which dates back to the 12th century have hit a hurdle.

Parishioners said they wanted to make St Margaret's Church, Angmering, fit for the 21st Century.

Proposed alterations included removing the pews and replacing them with seats, a new entrance, underfloor heating, and the demolition of an adjoining church office to make way for a new structure more in keeping with the existing architecture.

St Margaret's, a Grade II listed building, dates back to the 12th century but was, apart from the tower, rebuilt in the 1850s.

Canon Mark Standen, rector of the growing parish, said most people in the village were in favour of the changes.

But the Victorian Society conservation group had objected, forcing a hearing of the Chichester Diocesan consistory court to consider the changes.

The meeting will take place on April 26 and 27.

Canon Standen said: "I think our chances are good, but we approach this hearing with a mixture of frustration and trepidation."