Bakery plans for Norman church

Volunteers have submitted plans to convert an historic church near Ross-on-Wye into an artisan bakery and cafe.

Volunteers have submitted plans to convert an historic church near Ross-on-Wye into an artisan bakery and cafe.

Church Commissioners closed the Brampton Abbotts parish church of St Michael and All Angels in 2008.

At the time, the roof of the grade II* listed Norman building was deemed unsafe and its repair cost was estimated to be about £300,000.

However, the Diocese of Hereford formed a partnership with Brampton Abbotts Church Regeneration Group, a local community interest company set up to take forward the regeneration of the building.

They managed to secure a £215,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund last year for the church restoration project know locally as the Daily Bread.

The grant was used to fix the tower, the roofs, rainwater goods, stonework, the porch, several windows, internal walls and ceilings, and electrics.

And now, project manager Sam Hine has submitted proposals to Herefordshire Council which will give the former place of worship its new lease of life.

The plans include providing a cafe and social space with occasional worship.

The works include a mezzanine and changing the use of the vestry space into a bakery.

The idea is that a commercial lease of the bakery will bring in a regular and reliable income for the project.

The nave will be opened up to create an adaptable space by removing and reusing the woodwork of the pews.

And the choir stalls, which are believed to be part of the Caroe furnishings from the early 20th century, will be kept and placed on castors.

“Sadly, without use, the church is simply a building within a graveyard and without a use, the building risks falling into disrepair once more,” the architects’ planning statement reads.

“We have a duty to identify a sustainable future for the building to enable the long term preservation of St Michaels to relive old memories and create new memories for young families.”

Residents have until November 28 to comment on the proposals which can bee seen on the county council’s website.

County planners are expected to consider the scheme by December 16.