Joy for Bilston church as bungalows plans approved
A bid to save a historic Bilston church from closure has received a huge boost after a plan to demolish a run-down centre and replace it with bungalows was approved.
Delighted officials at St Mary the Virgin Church in Gorge Road, Hurst Hill said the decision by Wolverhampton Council planners will help secure the Grade II listed building's future.
The proposal is for the demolition of the vandal-hit derelict church hall to be replaced with two “beautiful” bungalows.
This was put forward when the church discovered it needed thousands to carry out much needed improvements to safeguard its future.
A previous inspection revealed £30,000 worth of repairs to the church needed to be carried out while a further £25,000 was required for St Mary’s Activity Centre hall.
But as there was only enough money to fund repairs to the church building, the hall has been closed, becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Many services previously run in the hall were moved inside the church but a number of activities cannot be held without an upgrade of facilities which are estimated to cost £290,000.
Sold
Now planning permission has been secured, the land will be sold to developers to press ahead with the development of the bungalows that will sit next to the 19th century church.
Vicar, Reverend Emma Stanford said: “We are delighted with the decision of the local planning authority.
“This will help secure the future of the church for years to come and also replace a decaying building with two beautiful bungalows.
“Following a short period of due diligence, the land will be offered for sale on the open market.
“Special thanks to our partners who have supported us so far in the process – the Diocese of Worcester, Eclipse Architecture of Kingswinford, PJ Planning of Cradley and AB Heritage Ltd.”
Alex Farnell, senior heritage consultant at AB Heritage added: “We saw the scheme as an opportunity to enhance the Grade II listed church and preserve a historic community asset for the future.
“The existing Activity Centre had become rundown and its replacement will not only improve the appearance of the site but will facilitate much needed maintenance and upgrading of the church and its facilities.
“AB Heritage are very pleased to have been a part of this successful project and hope that the church and its community go from strength to strength.”
