Councillors back assurances over landmark chapel

Town councillors have backed a motion which would see the town council seeking assurances from Powys County Council that an iconic building will be preserved.

Earlier this week, town councillors at their full November meeting discussed a motion from Cllr Paul Harris on protecting the heritage of the Baptist Chapel.

During the debate, Cllr Harris said:

"We'll know the Baptist Chapel is for sale, and we know what happened to the Church just two doors down."

"Our proposal is basically to ask Powys County Council to seek formal assurances from whoever buyers it that the building will be preserved as much as possible under the statutory planning regime, and also if we can work closely with any other groups or partnerships to see if there's any way we can make sure it's kept in a good condition."

"We need to find someone who wants to preserve it and use it for future generations."

Cllr David Selby, who is also the Powys County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration said:

"Buildings need to have purpose. As you might rightly say, adding too many constraints the ownership and unlikely to completely help and I think public awareness discussion is most important."

"We don't know who is interested in buying the Chapel at the moment."

"All I can add from my responsibilities in the Powys Council perspective is that there is a Transforming Towns Fund which owners of the building, can approach the Council to look at."

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 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."