19th century Shropshire church with original features put on market for £295,000
A buyer is being sought to breathe new life into a former 19th century Shropshire church.
The former United Reformed Church, Dodington, Whitchurch, which has planning permission to convert it into retail and community uses, is on the market for £295,000.
Agents Barbers and Halls Commercial have been instructed to sell the Grade II-listed church, which is believed to have been empty since 2003.
The scheme to turn it into retail and community uses previously caused controversy when a planning inspectorate upheld an appeal by applicants and gave the plans the go-ahead.
Rebecca Welch, from Halls Commercial, said: "The sale of this former church presents an exciting opportunity to create four residential dwellings and a variety of shops and offices, subject to the existing planning consent.
It is a fantastic piece of architecture. It is an imposing space inside with a lot of original features."
The building is associated with nonconformist ministers Philip and Matthew Henry and the composer Edward German.
Matthew Henry achieved enduring international fame for his 'Commentary on the Whole Bible'. Another famous link with the church came through honorary organist and choirmaster John David Jones, whose son was Sir Edward German, composer of light operas.
Sitting on a 0.35-acre site, the property features a stone facade with four columns, church organ and first floor gallery. To the rear of the building are two floors of school rooms, which extend to 1,960 square feet and have planning consent for conversion to four self-contained flats.
The chapel, which covers 1,626 square feet, is suitable for use as shops and offices.
In 2009 planning to convert the chapel to retail and community uses and the attached schoolhouse to four flats was refused by Shropshire councillors – until a government inspector approved the development the following year.
To view the property call (01743) 450700 or (01952) 221220.
