The First Church of Christ, Scientist have won planning approval to build residential units at their headquarters in Cedar Avenue.

The Development Application Board has given permission for a new church for 40 worshippers on the south of the site.

They have also given the nod to up to three storeys being added to the current church building for either office or residential use.

Planners want the existing facade to be kept because of its historic value.

Church treasurer Sandra Scott said she hoped the development would be residential because it would be more suitable alongside the church than office blocks.

But she said this depended on what potential developers had in mind.