Penryn's parish church could be set for a big change if plans to build a new vicarage and community hall get the go ahead.

Under the proposals, put forward by the Truro Diocesan Board of Finance and land agents Smiths Gore, the Old Vicarage of St Gluvias on Church Hill would be replaced with a new vicarage or “parsonage” and hall to the east of the church itself.

Although only at the pre-application stage, the plans call for a new access road to be created to the north of the church at the junction of Bissom Road and Love Lane.

This road would lead to a new car park providing 30 spaces for visitors to the new hall and vicarage.

It would also provide access to four new houses, which the diocesan board described as “enabling development” in their proposal document.

The board's statement reads: “We accept that there has only been sparse development on the eastern side but consider that the provision of a new vicarage is a suitable special circumstance and the plots off the proposed new access road would be enabling a development because of the financial implications of the proposed scheme.”

As part of the plans, the Old Vicarage would be refurbished and an adjoining former coach house would also be converted for residential use.

Public consultation has yet to take place because no formal planning application has been submitted, which explains why Cornwall councillor for the area, Tony Martin “knew nothing” of the plans.

Penryn's other Cornwall councillor, Mary May, said: “Obviously they have got a new vicar starting in March and I suppose since Father John has left they need to do something with the vicarage.

“I had not heard about the hall though.”

The current parish hall, on West Street, has been well used by community groups in the past including the town's Brownies and Guides and a local table tennis club.