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Plans to turn Methodist chapel into flats approved

Tony GardnerLDRS
LDRS An old, run-down looking building with large circular windows on the side. There is greenery covering part of the exterior and a metal fence bordering some of the building. LDRS
Previous plans to convert the building were approved but later expired

Plans to convert a former Methodist chapel into flats have been approved.

The scheme will see 11 flats built at the old Westfield Congregational Church in Horbury, Wakefield, alongside the demolition of a vacant Sunday school building.

The site, which dates back to 1878 but has been unused since the early 2000s, has been up for a sale for a significant period of time.

A planning statement submitted to the local authority on behalf of applicant Roxburgh Property Investments said the chapel roof had collapsed and the building had "seriously deteriorated" in recent years.

The council previously approved plans to convert the church into 12 apartments in 2013 but the work was not completed and planning permission expired in 2018.

The applicant's statement said the new proposals would ensure "the long-term retention of a historic building" as well as providing a "useful addition to the housing land supply in a highly sustainable location".

It noted that alterations would be "sensitive to the form and nature of the chapel".

LDRS An old, run-down looking building with large circular windows on the side. There is greenery covering part of the exterior and a metal fence bordering some of the building. Next to the larger building is a smaller stone building which has part of its roof missing. LDRS
Concerns have been raised about the loss of a historical building

The scheme includes knocking down the Sunday school to create 12 parking spaces for future residents, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The building is not listed with Historic England but is in a prominent location which "formed the gateway" to Horbury's conservation area, a council planning officer's report said.

The authority received 12 objections to the plans, including one from Horbury Civic Society.

The society said it welcomed development at the site but argued the work would "totally change the character of the chapel".

Other concerns were raised over the height of the apartments, the loss of a historic building and the impact development could have on residents living nearby.

Eight people commented in favour, saying they welcomed the improvement of the site.

One supporter said: "I do not see how the current eyesore can be saved without substantial architectural update."

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