Plans for church conversion gains support

Town councillors have supported plans for the conversion of Newtown United Reformed Church into two holiday accommodation units and two residential dwellings.

The plans, put forward by Mr & Mrs P Davies from Caersws will see the United Reformed Church, situated on the corner of New Church Street and Park Lane, converted into holiday accommodation and residential dwellings.

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The church, which closed in 2016 occupies around 900m2 and is Grade II listed. 

The proposed plans include the main body of the church being converted into two holiday accommodation units, providing much needed tourism beds in the heart of the town centre. The adjoning church schoolroom will be converted into two residential dwellings.

The plans will keep the character of the church, which was built in approximately 1880 and is in the decorated Gothic Style, with few changes have been made to the exterior since it was built.

The heritage impact assessment, which accompanies the planning application states:

"Externally there are few changes proposed. Dormer windows will be added to the roof of the chapel and the design of these been modified in line with comments from the Built Heritage Officer. Conservation rooflights will be inserted into the roof of the schoolhouse. "

"The remains of a former minister may have been reburied below the chapel floor when the chapel was built and a programme of archaeological monitoring is suggested during the works on the floor/utilities. "

Town councillors voted to support the proposals.

The Town Council is a statutory consultee and submits comments to Powys County Council's Planning Department and does not make the final decision. The final decision will be made by Powys County Council at either their Planning Committee or delegated to officers.

The application can be viewed online here and using reference '24/0126/FUL'. Comments can be submitted via the Planning Portal.