Plans to demolish former Sutton Methodist Church for houses decided on

Proposals for the construction of seven houses, parking and associated works following the demolition of the Sutton Methodist Church building, on New Street, Sutton, were sent to the council earlier this year.

They were submitted by applicants Space Design & Build Ltd.

What the plans said

A design and access statement in the plans by agents Cheshire Planning Solutions said: "This is a previously developed site, located to the north west of Sutton, within an urban area, surrounded by housing and is considered to be a sustainable location.

"The application site comprises a relatively level parcel of land covering approximately 0.45 acres and includes a former Methodist church building and hall, with a gross internal area of approximately 283 m2 , along with a garden area and car park."

Plans added that Sutton Methodist Church, built in the mid-20th century, has been vacant for more than 12 months and "little used for some considerable time".

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It was said: "The Church Trustees requested approval to cease worshipping in the building on July 20, 2022 due to being a small aging congregation which was no longer able to meet its Trustee responsibilities".

The document added that most of the church's members moved to the United Reform Church, slightly more than one mile away where Methodists had been having joint services for some time.

It stated: "No community organisation has expressed an interest in the building. Its state of repair would probably preclude such interest."

Explaining the proposed development, the statement adds: "The current building does not make efficient use of the site.

"As such, the proposal is to demolish the existing building and replace it with a terraced row of seven, two and a half storey dwellings.

Plans for the former Sutton Methodist Church have been decided on (Image: St Helens Council Planning Portal)

"The houses will each comprise three bedrooms, with the master bedroom being within the roof space. The site is proposed to comprise a suitable site access, car parking, secure bicycle storage and private garden areas. Residents will have the facility to store waste bins within the rear gardens

"The layout of the proposed houses has been considered in order to reduce impact on the residents of neighbouring dwellings and ensure that suitable interface distances have been maintained."

Planning officers rule on proposals

In a report, planning officer Alex Ball said: "The site is no longer required as a place of worship and there are many alternative churches within the local area, so its retention for its last use would not be of benefit to the local community.

"In its current condition, there is little likelihood of the site being used for social wellbeing or social interest.

"Based on the information provided, it is considered that the loss of this community facility would not be of significant detriment to residents as there are similar, equally accessible places of worship and community facilities near to the site."

It was concluded: "The benefits of the scheme would include the redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site in the urban area to provide seven dwellings, providing a satisfactory living environment for the future occupiers.

"The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the amenity of existing and future residents."

Planning permission was granted.