THE FUTURE of a former church which has been disused for eight years has been confirmed after Cornwall Council approved its conversion into a dwelling.

Mr Ericksson applied to the local authority seeking approval to convert the former St Teath Methodist Church into a dwelling.

It has been closed and for sale since September 18, with the approval set to see the 19th century building put to a new use with a brighter future compared to its current state of semi-dereliction.

The applicant’s planning agent told Cornwall Council: “The Methodist Church is located on the western side of Trevilley Road in the centre of St Teath and bounded by other residential properties. The building lies within the St Teath conservation area and an Area of Great Landscape Value. There is limited external space either side of the building.

“There is an associated ancillary storage building on the opposite side of the road. The village is situated approximately three miles (5 km) southwest of Camelford and seven miles (11 km) northeast of Wadebridge. The hamlet of Whitewell lies to the west. The Church closed in September 2018 and following marketing, it was purchased by the applicant.

“As like many Methodist Churches in the county the reduction in congregation numbers has forced them to close and rely on the larger churches in the area. The redundant church is a Grade II listed building and has the appearance of a traditional church building.

“Its construction in 1871 was from rubblestone with granite dressings and slate roof. The entrance from the road, leads into the foyer area which then leads into the main chapel area. As can be seen in the photo below the organ, pulpit and pews are still in situ. At the back of the chapel area is a rear lobby. Stairs lead from the front lobby to a first floor area which was used as a kitchenette/function room.

“The conversion of the building is not considered to cause harm to the setting of the Church. Externally existing rotten woodwork will be repaired/replaced and therefore improving the setting.

“Rotten fascia boards will be replaced with like for like and existing rainwater goods will be refurbished. Internally it will be necessary to remove the pews, organ and raised rostrum area. Without removing these features it would not be feasible to create a residential unit. The iron ceiling vents will be retained as part of the conversion.

“The first floor area, which has been added more recently will be extended to cover the whole First Floor area. Currently the first floor ceiling cuts through one of the large arched windows at the front of the building but the proposal will eliminate this with the introduction of vaulting the ceiling. Without the conversion the building will fall into further disrepair and could be subject to vandalism which would be more harmful on the Church setting than the proposed conversion.”

Cornwall Council approved the development on the basis of conditional approval.

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It said that the approval was subject to conditions whereby it must be carried out in accordance with the agreed bat and bird survey and that the solar panels must be of a non reflective finish and roof mounted.