PROPOSALS to convert a disused, derelict former Methodist chapel into a dwelling has been put before Cornwall Council’s planning department.

The pre-application advice enquiry concerns the former chapel at St Kew Highway, which was closed and deconsecrated by the Methodist circuit in the 1990s.

It was later stripped of its ecclesiastical fixtures and fittings, including pews, pulpit and organ prior to being sold.

After its sale, it had briefly become a light industrial workshop before commercial use ceased in the early 2000s, after which it became vacant and derelict for over two decades.

The applicant told Cornwall Council that restrictive covenants placed on the chapel by the Methodist Church prevented it being used for the manufacture, distribution, sale and supply of alcohol in addition to a ban on its use for gambling or as a public dance hall.

Furthermore, it is not permitted to be used for religious purposes.

Mr Jones, the applicant told Cornwall Council his plans for the property, which he would live in.

He said: “It is proposed to convert the property into a dwelling with the ground floor consisting of a semi self-contained flat, a kitchen and a large living area.

“The first floor will have two bedrooms with en-suite and an office for the applicant to work from home. Roof lights will be installed to provide additional light and ventilation to the existing roof. These will be conservation type roof lights so as keep the essence of the original use of the building.”

In addition to the proposals for the building, there would also be a front garden area along with a small patio area.

There would also be a provision for one car to be parked in the area to the south east of the property, which would involve the removal of a stone wall to provide a lay-by style parking space.

Mr Jones also said that the existing, original arched ceiling could mostly be retained and repaired to maintain the ornate structure within the former chapel.

Additional documents accompanying the application detailed that there was localised failures of slate roof coverings, with the building also beginning to rot from water penetration and significant internal collapses and damp.

The applicant also stated that in his view, the chapel was in a last chance saloon for restoration, adding: “There are no major external changes planned and it is the applicants wish to keep the character of the chapel building while also making it comfortable to live in and well insulated.

“There will be a lot of work and expense to even get this building ready for habitation and it is our thoughts that it is basically the last chance for the property to be brought back to the former glory.

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“It is hoped planning permission is granted for this project as it appears to be the last chance for this property to be utilised and thus kept for the future. It is an existing structure that needs to be utilised for another use and a dwelling is the only financially viable option.”