8:30am Friday 10th July 2009
AFTER years of deliberation the future of Kington’s derelict Wesleyan Chapel could be set in stone after developer JR Homes Ltd successfully appealed against refusal to turn it into flats.
The Builth firm will create nine one-bedroom apartments at Harp Yard after the Planning Inspectorate overturned Herefordshire Council’s decision last October, despite recommendations from officers who worked on the application for two years beforehand to approve it.
Then it was turned down amid claims the density of plans pointed to “slums of the future” and calls for a smaller scheme, and for nearby land to be used as a garden rather than for further development, were made.
But reporting on decisions to overrule the move, local government inspector Mary Travers said the council had no minimum floorspace standards and that each flat would be small, but not unduly cramped.
“It has been recognised that this is a very difficult and constrained site, that the listed building is at risk, and that some sensible compromises may therefore be acceptable, “ she said.
JR Homes will finalise conditions to preserve architectural features and traditional building materials with the council before starting work within three years, and under current policy must allocate three flats as affordable housing.
It concludes years of discussion from the council and residents over what should become of the High Street building that previously saw a £1.6 million library and community centre scheme proposed.
Before falling into disrepair the Grade II listed building was the pinnacle of religious life in Kington, with regular Methodist services held from 1798 onwards.
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