Europe's largest church, Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), based in London, is hoping to relocate its premises to Beam Reach in the Thames Gateway.

A church representative reported that it will this week submit a planning application for a new church and community complex.

The church has decided to make the application following positive feedback for the move from locals and after carrying out a public consultation programme.

The proposed development will see KICC move from its present 4,000-seater auditorium to a new 8,000-seater venue, with multi-use building and an office complex.

KICC suggested the move would offer significant direct and indirect employment and investment in local businesses, as well as the implementation of a community outreach programme, and the establishment of a 'KICC Helping Havering' Community Fund.

To tackle concerns over transport and traffic congestion caused by the move, KICC has been consulting a number of local traffic experts and are looking to produce an effective Green Transport plan.

In total, up to £50,000 is being planned for local community investment by the mega-church, which will be given out in grants to local groups, organisations and other KICC projects.