Town councillors to consider motion to protect landmark

Town councillors will consider a motion from Cllr Paul Harris on protecting the heritage of the Baptist Chapel in the town, which is set to go to auction shortly.

Next week at their full meeting, Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn town councillors will consider a motion from Cllr Paul Harris on protecting the heritage of the Baptist Chapel.

The motion seeks to provide assurances that the heritage of the Baptist Chapel would be protected in any sale. It provides that the town council will pursue Powys County Council to seek formal assurances from new buyers of the chapel that heritage of the building would be preserved.

It also presses the county council to introduce binding clauses in any future planning permission for the chapel.

In a legal note to councillors, the Town Clerk has explained that the town council does not have any powers of heritage or planning, and the only powers they have is around persuading the county council to exercise their powers.

It is also not known if Powys County Council has the appropriate powers to enforce such action.

The Grade II Listed Zion Baptist Chapel, prominently located on the corner of New Church Street with New Road, will be sold at Halls auctioneers’ next collective property and land auction in Shrewsbury on Friday, November 29.

Carrying a pre-auction guide price of £100,000 to £120,000, the chapel has a classical front in brick and freestone with a shaped gable above a huge Corinthian façade with portico and pillars.

The motion will be proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Rupert Taylor.

The full motion says:

"The Town Council resolves to: 

1.    Request that Powys County Council seeks formal assurances from any potential buyers of the Zion Baptist Chapel regarding the building’s ongoing preservation, particularly its Grade II* Listed status. These assurances should include commitments to maintain the chapel in a manner consistent with heritage and conservation standards, ensuring the building is not left to deteriorate and does not fall victim to neglect as a means of circumventing its preservation requirements 

2.    Press for the inclusion of binding clauses in any planning permission for the chapel that require any alterations, conversions, or development to be fully compliant with local planning and conservation regulations. This should include an obligation to obtain proper permissions for any changes to the chapel’s structure or use, with particular attention to its historical features, such as its wooden-framed sash windows and stone surrounds 

3.    Work closely with Powys County Council and any other relevant stakeholders to monitor the future condition of the chapel and to ensure that it remains well-maintained, with a proactive approach to preventing any future risk of demolition or unsympathetic redevelopment 

4.    Encourage Powys County Council to explore viable options for funding or partnership opportunities to secure the long-term preservation and potential reuse of the building, ensuring its future as an asset to the community. 

5.    Raise public awareness regarding the importance of Zion Baptist Chapel and its preservation, through local media, community outreach, and support for efforts to protect this significant heritage asset 

6.    Recognise the potential for the chapel’s reuse and regeneration, whether as a place of worship, community space, or mixed-use development whilst being mindful that these opportunities do not come at the cost of the chapel’s historic integrity and cultural value."