A £600,000 scheme to breathe new life into a boarded-up Bury church has been given the go-ahead.

Planning bosses have approved the conversion of the redundant All Saints Church, Elton, into 14 luxury apartments.

The discovery of severe dry rot at the Grade Two listed building in 1995 forced services to be transferred and in October, 2000, the church was declared redundant by the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Property developer Mr Lionel Gilmartin bought the church when the PCC could no longer afford the spiralling repair costs.

The building will be converted into 13 apartments on three levels within the main body of the church, with an additional apartment on four levels in the tower. There will be little alteration to the exterior of the building, constructed in 1843, apart from low-profile roof lights. Windows will be replaced in black-coated steel and there are plans to restore the church clock.

Tuesday's (Jan 14) planning meeting heard that the existing gateway from Orrell Street would be modified to provide access for vehicles and public access to the remainder of the graveyard. Part of the graveyard will be asphalted to provide parking for 17 vehicles. Plans have been revised so that the existing memorial garden is not altered.

Twelve letters of objection were received.

Borough planning officer Mr Brian Daniel told the meeting: "The actual graves would not be disturbed, although some of the stones will be lifted and moved to one side. The restoration of the clock is something we would wish to take place."

Commenting on plans to pave part of the graveyard, Mr Daniel added: "The gravestones will be re-sited and a top layer will be placed over that before any asphalt surface is added. There is the thought that there will be no harm to whoever is underneath."

Mr Gilmartin has been working closely with All Saints parishioners to ensure any conversion is carried out sensitively.