Moulton Methodist Church could be transformed by Liberty Care Group

Plans to turn Moulton Methodist Church into a respite home centre have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Built in 1875, the church was recently acquired by Care Liberty Group, who claim to have a ‘wealth of care service experience’.

They say that rising costs and the disinterest of youngsters have led to the church's demise.

The application reads: “Finding an end-user willing to take the vacant property and revitalise it in these unprecedented times and challenging economic climate is a bold approach which will assist with regeneration and promoting employment in the district and outweigh any harm.

“The property can breathe a new lease of life, and this respite care provision will assist to regenerate the building and at the same time provides a care facility akin to a vacation break for the residents.”

Inside the 19th century building (Image: Rightmove)

In February, plans to partially demolish the church and turn it into a residential property were approved by the council.

In their fresh application, Liberty Care Group say it is ‘more sustainable to adapt an existing building and give it a new lease of life’.

If approved, the building would become a respite home centre, offering short-term care for up to seven residents who may have disabilities, chronic illnesses or other needs.

With the support of specialists and qualified staff, residents would be able to go on a ‘short vacation to refresh themselves’.

The existing kitchen would be used for activities such as baking, a library would provide space for arts and crafts, and a cinema room is also proposed.

“There is growing need and trend for respite care in the community,” the application adds.

Under the new plans. the church would be transformed into a respite home centre (Image: Rightmove)

At a meeting on September 3, 2020, the managing trustees of Moulton Methodist Church unanimously agreed to cease worship.

This was mainly due to declining membership and an ageing congregation.

The application says that Gen Z (those born between the late 90s and early 2010s) are 'more akin to using technology and influence via social media rather than attending church'.

It adds: “There is not enough younger generation volunteers that is willing to take over this responsibility, which in turn, can lead to the church building needing to be closed.

“Another determining factor in the decline in churches has been the significant increase in daily running costs of large religious buildings, particularly utility costs, and coupled with dwindling senior congregation members, has become unsustainable in many cases.

“This change of use will revitalise the area and assist to bring the church building back to its former glory but at the same time bring more vitality back to this end of Moulton village.”

A library and a cinema room are included in the plans (Image: Rightmove)

The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire West and Chester planning portal under the following reference number 24/03199/FUL.