All outstanding objections to plans to establish a new arts venue as part of a 'shared sacred space' at St Mary's Church in Ashford, Kent, have been dismissed.

The Dean of the Arches Court, head of the ecclesiastical court of the Archbishop of Canterbury, refused Christopher Cooper's application to appeal a Commissary Court decision to approve the scheme. Under plans for the Arts at St Mary's project, work will be carried out to enhance the church's existing role as a place of worship, as well as creating an arts venue able to cater for 350 people.

The £1.7m scheme has received £1.2m Growth Area Funding from Ashford's Future and £100,000 from Ashford Borough Council. The Church of England has also contributed. Council portfolio holder for culture Bernard Heyes said: "Mr Cooper has used every legal avenue available to stop the re-ordering of St Mary's, and his arguments have been formally rejected on every occasion.

"This project owes much to its supporters in the church and the community, to the commitment of Ashford's Future, and the tireless work of Ashford Borough Council's cultural and projects team." The Commissary Court of Canterbury approved the scheme on 2 June.