Churchgoers in the Diocese of Lichfield have received a massive boost with news that planners at Stafford Borough Council have given permission for a significant development to Shallowford House, the Lichfield diocesan conference centre.

The proposals will see a "breathtaking" new chapel, a new reception area and lobby and improvements to meeting rooms and bedroom accommodation.

Shallowford House is used for the training of lay ministers and preparing clergy for ordination courses and post-ordination training. It is also used by parishes and a range of community groups looking for a 'get-away' space for meetings in a peaceful location.

Shallowford House was given to the Diocese of Lichfield in 1938 and has been used as a training and conference centre ever since. But the house is now looking tired and the facilities are in need of modernisation. The development plans will cost somewhere in the region of £1.2m to complete and trustees are now preparing to approach builders for more detailed costs.

The director of Shallowford House, Mr John Leigh, said: "This is tremendous news for Shallowford, and we're really excited about it. But now we have to begin the grand task of raising £1m to ensure we can make room for everyone here at Shallowford House."