The North Audley St church is grade I listed, and Mr Hammers were previously rejected by Westminster council but the businessman is determined to appeal the decision and a public enquiry has now been fixed for October 2009.

Hammer, who founded the Sanctuary in Covent Garden, tells the Standard that his plans may be the only hope of saving the building which is in a state of disrepair. His plans are strongly opposed by the Commonwealth Christian Fellowship which was granted permission to use the church rent free in 1994.