Ambitious plans to convert church

Swan Hill Congregational Church in the heart of Shrewsbury was built in 1868 and attracted more than 370 worshippers to its daily services.

But it closed its doors for the final time in 2016 and has stood empty ever since.

Now ambitious plans have been submitted to Shropshire Council's planning department by Charters Property Limited to convert the imposing church.

A design and access statement prepared by Dyanne Humphreys illustrate how for the former school rooms could to be turned in to a two storey home with four bedrooms. The rear section of the ground floor of the main church would be converted in to a two bedroom unit and a three bedroom home would be on the first floor. The fourth home would be open plan and have three bedrooms.

Features of the Victorian-style building would remain including the stone mullioned windows with are infilled with stained glass.

Dyanne said: "Overall the building's physical appearance within the townscape will remain largely unchanged whilst accommodating a desirable residential use in a highly sustainable location. The church is currently predominately a single large open space, so the floors will be introduced."

While the church is not listed, it is a local heritage asset and is sited in a conservation area.

She adds: "The conservation and reuse of this redundant buildings, a non-designated heritage asset, to provide housing in a highly sustainable location is wholly compliant with policy and the aims and objectives of Shropshire Council.

"The scheme has been approached sensitively having only a light touch on the existing building fabric. The property is clearly worth preserving and the submitted scheme will both preserve and enhance the building and ensure its ongoing retention and maintenance."

The plans will now considered by members of the planning committee at a date to be arranged.