Concerns about conservation regarding plan to convert church into flats

Plans to transform the former Bingley Independent Methodist Church on Leonard Street into residential flats could cause "significant damage" to the historic structure, according to a local conservation officer.

The Grade II listed building, which dates back to the 1860s, is proposed to be divided into nine large apartments. The planning application, submitted to Bradford Council in August, acknowledges that some historic elements would be lost but argues the project would secure the building's "long-term preservation."

Jon Ackroyd, the councils conservation officer, stated that the planned modifications would "dramatically change" the interior of the listed church. The proposals include inserting a second floor and other alterations to accommodate the new residential layout.

The developers claim that their plan "preserves and enhances" the building's significance and that the project represents an investment in its future while maintaining as much of the original layout as possible.

However, Mr. Ackroyd noted that the church currently has a "completely intact interior," featuring open and box pews on the ground floor and a raked gallery surrounding a central oval well. He emphasized that such interiors are extremely rare in non-conformist chapels, most of which have been modified or lost over time.

He also criticized the developer's heritage assessment, saying it does not adequately recognize the value of the building's interior. According to him, the alterations would "significantly change the spatial qualities," which now extend from the ground floor to the ceiling above the balconies.

The officer highlighted that original fittings, in harmony with the church's 1860s design, would be removed, calling the interior "a very rare surviving example in Nonconformist chapels."

In conclusion, Mr. Ackroyd warned that under the current plans, the project would cause substantial harm to the listed building, particularly due to the extensive loss of the interior, which is central to the heritage value of the site.

A decision on the planning application is expected soon.

Author: Sophia Brooks