Owner wants to demolish part of listed Telford church damaged in fire after unpopular wine bar plans withdrawn

The owner of Fletcher Methodist Church on Court Street in Madeley has applied to Telford & Wrekin Council to demolish part of the Grade II listed building, which was damaged by fire earlier this year.

The building has stood empty since it was last used in 2011. In September 2023, plans were revealed to turn the property into a 'chic' wine bar, open market and hairdressers. 

But the application quickly came under fire from local residents, who raised concerns over the impact of late-night revellers on neighbouring homes. 

As well as concerns over potential noise and parking issues, one local business owner worried for her and her customers' safety. 

Alice Blair of Salon 72 wrote: "It’s already worrying enough for myself and my staff to walk to our cars at night in Madeley after work when it’s dark without being met by lots of intoxicated people." 

Mr Ian Brewerton of CJ Williams Funeral Service added: "We already experience inappropriate public behaviour; from defecating against our outer wall, to parking on our car park and general littering/smashing glass on our frontage/car park and on Burnt Hall Lane at the side of our property."

Before the council came to a decision, the plans were withdrawn by the applicant in April this year.