Proposals To Convert ‘Redundant’ Chapel Into Housing

A redundant chapel in Wrexham could be partially demolished and converted into four residential units.

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it is proposed that the Capel Groes Presbyterian Chapel, Penycae is converted into four dwellings. It is also proposed that the ‘poorly constructed’ storage sheds at the rear of the property are partially demolished.

Of the four dwellings, two of the properties will comprise of two bedrooms – while the remaining two will consist of four bedrooms.

The development will maintain the existing parking spaces on the site, with a total of nine being provided for the four properties. The application’s Design and Access Statement goes onto comment that two spaces will be provided per property, with one space remaining for visitors.

The existing chapel was built in 1863 with extensions and alterations in the early 20th Century, with the application’s supporting documents noting that while the property is not listed – it is of historic interest. The property has not been used as a chapel for a period of time.

This is the second application put forward in a number of years, with an application to convert the chapel and erect two residential dwellings on the site refused in 2013.

Within the application’s supporting documents it notes: “It is the intention of Jones Roberts Partners to provide a more sympathetic redevelopment of the former chapel and address all of the Council’s conditions for refusal.”

As a result it is ‘understood that providing a wider vehicular access, drop kerbs to the existing pavements and improvements to the road surface of Hill Close will significantly improve the merits of the planning application and the advice of the Highways department has been integrated into the design’.

The Design and Access Statement goes onto comment that the’ proposals would not have a significant impact on the street scene as the only insertion to the existing structure is the replacement of the existing windows and doors’.

The statement goes onto add: “The building is not listed but is in a conservation area and so the proposals have been developed to limit the number of external alternations to the existing building.

“It is considered that the proposals would have a positive impact on the existing building and the surrounding area as the former chapel has fallen into a state of disrepair.”