Last August, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Holy Ghost Zone applied to convert the former Olan Mills photographic studio in Abington Square into its church.

After the initial plans were backed by Northampton Borough Council, the RCCG hopes the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) will now give its approval to the scheme.

Church member Jibola Alake set up the church in Northampton six years ago with his wife Joke.

Mr Alake, who is originally from Nigeria, said: "We want to open as soon as we get planning permission, hopefully that should be in December.

"We currently have about 150 worshippers at the Lings Forum Leisure Centre so there's definitely a demand for a dedicated centre in Northampton.

"We've been searching for a location for a dedicated church now for almost four years but we want to get everything right before we finally open the doors."

The RCCG was set up in 1952. Its mission is to set up a church within five minutes' walking distance of every city and town in developing countries and five minutes' drive in developed countries.

A decision on the plan will be made by the WNDC later this year.