A historic church in the village of Astwood is set to be transformed into a private home.
Milton Keynes Council has granted planning permission meaning that Grade II listed St Peter's Church, which dates back as far as the 12th Century, will be converted into a family home.
The church closed to worshippers in 2013 and has remained vacant ever since.
Now, the applicants will create a "comfortable and practical" space where they will live for the "foreseeable future".
The future homeowners said in a statement: "In achieving these goals, we will utilise the best of modern technology (heating, lighting, control systems, etc.) to make the building as efficient and sustainable as possible, without detrimental impact on the historic fabric.
"A key aspect of our plans (and a significant part of the project cost) will be the renovation of the current building structure, undertaking maintenance that is overdue and addressing structural issues that threaten the long-term future of the building, for example the movement of the chancel gable wall.”
According to Historic England, the residential conversion is the "only practical way" to preserve the 800-year-old building.
Other church conversions that have taken place across the country often modernise the interior whilst sticking to the church's original structure.
Church conversions usually include exposed old beams, high ceilings, and large stained windows, so it will be interesting to see what the future owners do with St Peter's Church.
The Church of St Peter, located along the Main Road in Astwood, dates back to at least the reign of Henry the First.
It has undergone several changes during its life, including a replacement of the roof following damage in WWII. The North, South and East walls of the Nave likely date back to the 12th Century.
