THE 180-year-old Bethel Chapel, a grade II listed building, has been demolished because it was unsafe, say the builders. They are storing the building's stone and wrought iron so it can be used when it is rebuilt as flats. Dean Mason Limited builders originally intended to convert the building into four apartments without removing the exterior. However structural damage, severe subsidence and dilapidation meant that council officers decided that the building would have to be rebuilt from scratch. Mapplewell and Staincross residents have raised a number of concerns about the fate of the building and think they were not properly consulted. But developers are keen to assure the public that the exterior of the chapel will be restored to its original appearance. They told the Chronicle the building has been surveyed to ensure it can be accurately rebuilt. Architect Don White, of the White Agus Partnership, said the firm is trying to return the premises back to its former glory of 1829. The Mapplewell chapel was last used for a van rental business but it had fallen into disrepair.
