Weaverham Methodist Church could be turned into apartments

Plans to convert Weaverham Methodist Church into four apartments have been revealed.

The Grade II listed church, on Forest Street, was constructed in 1878 and was deconsecrated more than a decade ago, in 2009.

Now, it could be given a new lease of life.

A design and access statement included in the planning application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by Urban Feat Limited reads: “The adjacent properties are mostly residential, although there is the ‘old school house’ which has been a childcare nursery for over ten years.

“The building includes many of the established materials and design features of the period and is still in a reasonably good structural state of repair.

“It should be noted that the building internally and externally requires attention but generally and from a visual inspection appears to be in a reasonable condition bearing in mind that no maintenance works have been undertaken for some twenty years.

“There were no visual signs of any major structural issues that might have a cost impact upon the building being restored to a good standard.”

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Weaverham Methodist Church and the adjacent nursery (Image: Google Maps)

The statement explains that the building would be converted into four self-contained apartments with on-site carparking.

The idea is to have two apartments on both the ground and first floor, all of which will be two beds and accessed via a communal lobby.

The church’s existing windows will be replaced, and the buildings external brickwork cleaned, while the doors will be retained and refurbished.

The tiled roof will be reviewed “in more detail”, with the aim of replacing any defective tiles with matching ones.

An eight-space carpark would also be created, alongside a disabled entrance ramp, should the plans be approved.

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The proposals also suggest how the church will be separated from Abbey Nursery School.

The design and access statement adds: “The proposals will require a new boundary between the building and that of the adjacent childcare nursery, so to ensure no nuisance is created to the apartment users including parents bringing/picking up their children.”

Neighbours have until August 24 to share their opinions on the plans, which can be viewed in full on the Cheshire West planning portal, using the reference 23/02253/FUL.