Former chapel could be converted into part of the neighbouring house

A chapel in a Herefordshire village will be converted into part of the neighbouring house if a planning bid is successful.

The neighbouring residents of Ewyas Harold Methodist Chapel want to turn it into annexed living accommodation, with two bedrooms, for family and guests.

The Golden Valley church closed for worship in August 2020 “amid the age and falling numbers of the congregation”, the application says.

Minister Jon Chesworth said at the time that the Covid crisis and resulting lockdown “has brought matters forward, with the thought of reopening being a burden due to age and illness of the dozen or so people who attended”.

The main chapel building, of brick under a slate roof, dates from around 1870, with a side extension having been added in the 1940s. It is not listed.

“The new owners are keen to retain the external appearance exactly as it is, with all interventions in the building happening inside,” the application says.

“The conversion of the chapel gives this important heritage asset a sustainable means of being retained in good order, with the street frontage being protected for the village of Ewyas Harold to enjoy.”

A pre-planning notice from Herefordshire Council last year said planning permission for residential development would be unlikely to be granted unless sought by either of the two adjoining properties.