CONTROVERSIAL plans to build over graves at a historic church cemetery have been shelved.

The church council at All Saints in Childwall had intended to extend the Grade I-listed main building with a “rotunda” over parts of its graveyard, covering over 87 graves.

Campaigners furious over the plans had described the move as “appalling”.

Yesterday the Diocese of Liverpool said the church council had opted not to go ahead with the extension in the near future – concentrating instead on plans to redevelop the nearby church hall.

It is understood the decision was made at a meeting of the council on Monday evening.

A spokesman said: “The church council for All Saints Childwall has decided not to issue a public notice regarding their proposal for an extension for their church.

“It has done this to be able to concentrate on the fundraising and development of their church centre.

“The church’s planning permission to build a new church centre will expire in April 2014 and the church council needs to focus its entire energy into this visionary development.

“The church council has not, nor does it intend to, set a timescale regarding taking the development of the church to the next stage.”