PLANS to convert an historic church building into 11 one-bed flats have been submitted to Barnsley Council’s planning board.
The Smithies Wesleyan Reform Church, on Wakefield Road, has been vacant for some time and recently went up for auction on the Mark Jenkinson and Co website where it was subsequently sold.
The main building dates from 1912 and the rear split-level former Sunday school building was built in 1932.
Plans were submitted to the council earlier this week to convert the church building into ‘much-needed’ apartments.
A report states: “In recent years, the buildings have been vacant and were listed for auction in December 2024 where it was purchased by the applicant.
“Both buildings are attractive stone-built structures with the site having frontage on to Wakefield Road.
“The proposal would also result in 11 new homes within a sustainable location through reuse of a building.
“By repurposing an existing structure, the proposal minimises demolition waste, reduces the need for new construction materials, and respects the established built form and character of the area.
“This approach not only contributes to meeting local housing needs but does so in a manner that is environmentally responsible, visually coherent, and consistent with national and local planning policy objectives encouraging brownfield regeneration.”
The report added that the development would bring a vacant site back into use - to the benefit of the whole of the local community.
It said: “The site comprises a vacant and unused former church building, which has not served any active community function for a number of years.
“It is understood that no formal services or community activities have been held at the premises for a considerable period, and there is no realistic prospect of the building returning to active community use in the future.
“In this case, the building has remained unoccupied for an extended period and is no longer viable as a place of worship or community facility.
“Furthermore, the surrounding area is well-served by a range of alternative community venues and places of worship within accessible distances, particularly towards Barnsley town centre and the wider Smithies area.
“These include the Gateway Church, Hope House Church and Manor Court Community Centre.
“The proposed development represents an opportunity to bring a redundant, underutilised building back into active use, in a manner that is sympathetic to its architectural character while contributing positively to housing supply in a highly sustainable urban location.”
Coun Neil Wright, who represents the St Helen’s ward, told the Chronicle: “As a local councillor I am aware of a recent development application that has been submitted regarding the old church.
“As a result I would welcome any comments residents have.
“Whilst residents may have opposing opinions, I welcome all views on the matter.
“I would be extremely saddened if the property was to be be vandalised as a result of its unoccupancy.”
A total of 21 neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date.
Public consultation ends on July 18.
