A long-closed west Suffolk pub could be transformed into a church if new plans put to a council are given the go-ahead. 

Applicant Horringer Court Community Church is seeking permission from West Suffolk Council to turn the empty Glad Abbot pub in Glastonbury Road, Bury St Edmunds, into a place of worship with offices and multi-purpose community activity and support facilities. 

The Glad Abbot has been closed since May 2018 and, despite efforts to lease the property as a pub, it has been empty since. 

The Horringer Court Community Church, now trading as Inclusive Church, has been meeting at Horringer Court Middle School for the last 40 years, but the school closed its doors last year. 

Since then, a small space has been loaned to the church on a temporary basis at the  Glastonbury Court Care facility, but the church is seeking a more permanent base. 

If approved, the church would include two meeting rooms, a modern kitchen, office and toilet facilities. 

In a statement to West Suffolk Council, the applicant said: "This would become a centre for public worship/religious instruction and associated activities for the benefit of visiting members of the public and the local community."

The opening hours of the premises would be within the times 8am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

It is expected that the change of use would provide new employment for one full time and one part time role. 

There would be three parking spaces at the back for staff members to use, while the applicant has said there is 'adequate parking' of 40 spaces for visitors in the car park off Glastonbury Road.

The applicant said: "A change of use to this available facility will create a better quality of life for people, and be a place where they will want to meet."