Published Friday 12 December 2025
Coventry, UK
Marpe Assembly Honours Christmas Star Tradition But Raises Concerns Over Building Restrictions
Marpe Assembly of All Nations can confirm that the Christmas star will be erected once again this year, honouring the memory of the late Andy Thompson, who faithfully cared for and maintained the star for many years.
The star has long been a cherished symbol of hope and joy for the surrounding community. When we acquired the Hearsall Baptist Church building, we voluntarily committed to continuing this tradition, despite no legal obligation to do so.
However, we are expressing deep concern that the same heritage processes originally pursued to “protect” the Christmas star are now preventing essential works needed to keep the building safe, warm, fit for community use and prevent noise pollution, thus we cannot guarantee the tradition of raising the star will be continued after 2025.
Background
The Christmas star that is displayed annually on the church became a central argument used by local councillors to justify pursuing a local heritage listing for the building. This move went ahead even after a community petition showed stronger public support for removing the proposed listing. Despite this, Coventry City Council proceeded, and the centre was ultimately approved as a locally listed heritage asset.
Since that decision, we have faced significant planning barriers when attempting to carry out urgent maintenance most notably the replacement of over 60-year-old single-glazed metal windows (located on the church building and not on the centre which has been put forward for listing) that are now beyond repair.
Health, Safety and Community Impact
The existing windows are causing:
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Severe heat loss, leading to cancelled services during cold weather
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Persistent condensation, damp, and mould, posing respiratory health risks
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Dire impact on vulnerable groups in our congregation
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Corrosion and unsafe window operation
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Extreme noise leakage/pollution, resulting in formal complaints and involvement from the Council’s Noise and Nuisance Department
With a significant number of vulnerable elderly members and children in our congregation, the existing windows pose direct health risks for both age groups. Young people with asthma or other underlying conditions are particularly at risk, while persistent condensation, damp, and mould further heighten respiratory dangers for everyone. Older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, or weakened immunity, face an even greater risk of serious illness from prolonged exposure to these conditions.
Despite these conditions, Coventry City Council has refused a Lawful Development Certificate for replacing the windows with modern double-glazed UPVC units, ruling that the works would require full planning permission and may not be supported due to heritage considerations (though the church is not listed, it is still in close proximity to the centre).
Alternative solutions, including secondary glazing, have already been trialled and have proven ineffective due to the deteriorated condition of the existing window frames. The Council has suggested a like-for-like replacement; however, quotations obtained for heritage-style Crittall replacements demonstrate costs that are wholly unaffordable for a charitable organisation of our size. It is also important to note that modern Crittall-style replacements themselves utilise UPVC framing, meaning the proposed restriction does not materially avoid the use of modern materials.
A Tradition Under Strain
We emphasise that the Christmas star has always been erected in goodwill not obligation. Yet the continued inability to address fundamental building defects has placed enormous strain on the congregation, who raise funds for all repairs and operational costs.
What was once a symbol of joy for the community has sadly become a source of frustration and distress for our congregation, we are being prevented from resolving serious health, safety and environmental issues, while being expected to preserve outward symbols.
This Year and Beyond
Out of respect for Andy Thompson’s legacy, we will proudly raise the Christmas star this year.
However, we cannot guarantee the star will be erected in future years while the building remains locally listed and essential upgrades continue to be blocked.
We are calling for a fair, proportionate and practical resolution, including a site visit, to balance heritage considerations with public health, environmental responsibility and the ongoing use of the building as a place of worship and community gathering.
About Marpe Assembly of All Nations
Marpe Assembly of All Nations is a charitable church and community centre serving the Coventry community through worship services, outreach, and community engagement. We are committed to preserving positive traditions while ensuring our facilities remain safe, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.
Media Contact:
Marpe Assembly of All Nations
Queensland Avenue, Coventry CV5 8FE
Email: admin@marpeassembly.org
Phone: 0247 767 0303 / 0795 579 7684
