The Catholic Diocese of Leeds closed Holy Family Church, Pontefract, a fortnight ago, citing a dwindling congregation and a shortage of priests.

The diocese wants to sell the site in Chequerfield for housing development.

But the plans were thrown into disarray after the congregation called in English Heritage.

After carrying out inspections, the heritage watchdog put a grade II listing on the building.

Now it cannot be demolished or even adapted without going through rigorous planning controls, which will severely limit interest in the site.

Although the church dates from only 1964, it was created by Derek Walker, often labelled one of the 20th century's great architects. As chief planner, he later was involved in creating the new town of Milton Keynes and also built the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

The Holy Family Church was the first in the area built to the new modern liturgy standards and boasts key design features, including a vibrant stained glass window.

The 200-strong congregation now hopes English Heritage's judgement will convince Bishop Arthur Roche to reopen the church.

Today parishioner Kathleen Kidd said: "It has been heartbreaking to see our church standing there and not being able to hear mass in it.
"We have no mortgage on the building, no debts. We had the offer of a priest from Poland, so we really cannot see any reason why it should close.

"If the church stays closed and they cannot sell it, the diocese will be left with quite a large bill for maintenance. It will become a white elephant. If it stays open they will actually have money coming in."

The congregation has launched an appeal under canon law against the closure and is preparing to lobby heads of the church in Rome.
Under church law Bishop Roche has 30 days to respond to the parishioners' appeal. If they are not satisfied, they can then take their case further.

Diocese of Leeds property administrator David Damant, said the sale of the church was proceeding but admitted it was likely to attract a much lower price because of the new restrictions.

Other closures are planned in the Wakefield area. Leeds is to undergo a similar restructuring process later this year.

English Heritage said it had listed Holy Family because of its "nationally significant architect, its design and high quality features."

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