PERMISSION has been granted for Middlesbrough's former cathedral to be totally demolished after fire destroyed the historic building.
Arsonists set fire to the building earlier this month, leaving the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in a dangerous condition.
The Roman Catholic diocese had wanted to demolish the derelict church before the fire, but were waiting for the outcome of a public inquiry after English Heritage objected.
Yesterday, the planning and development committee of Middlesbrough Council gave permission for the church to be totally demolished because of its fire-damaged condition.
An application to demolish the former presbytery was noted by the council but a spokesman said a public inquiry would have to be held into its future.
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