Plans to convert a vacant church in Kidsgrove into 12 supported housing apartments will be decided next week by the planning committee at Newcastle Borough Council.

The application was called-in by two councillors on the grounds of access and highways issues. In addition six members of the public raised objections to the development.

The former Pentecostal Church on The Avenue in Kidsgrove has been vacant for a number of years and now applicant, Storm ADF Developments Limited, wants to transform the former church into homes for people with mental health support needs.

A contribution of up to £60,000 that the developers were asked to make towards enhancing public space nearby will be waived, after planners heard the sum would make the scheme financially impossible.

The authorities' Conservation Advisory Working Party raised concerns over the intensification of the use that they felt did not respect the character and nature of the former chapel and the area. 

And the Urban Design and Conservation Officer also raised concerns about the number of apartments proposed and the impact that the development would have on the character of the building.

The application will be decided on Tuesday 15 August by the planning committee at Newcastle Borough Council (LDRS).

The building is on the Council's Register of Locally Important Buildings and Structures and the neighbouring property, Bourne Cottage, is a Grade II Listed Building.

The revised recommendation states: "The proposed development would bring back into use a vacant building in a highly sustainable area and the conversion represents appropriate development within the Green Belt. 

"The design of the scheme would result in less than substantial harm to the locally important building and the limited harm identified is outweighed by the public benefits. Parking and highway safety matters are considered acceptable subject to conditions.

"The applicant has submitted financial information to substantiate their claim that a policy compliant scheme would be financially unviable. Officers have obtained independent advice that concludes that the scheme would not be financially viable if policy compliant Public Open Space contributions are required. 

"Therefore, it is recommended that this policy compliant requirement is not sought, and given the benefits arising from the reuse of this locally listed building, the development is acceptable."

The application will be decided on Tuesday 15 August by the planning committee at Newcastle Borough Council.

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