A landmark Congleton church that closed its doors to worshippers two years ago could be brought back into public use as a wedding and events venue under new plans submitted to Cheshire East Council.
FST Property has applied for permission to convert the former United Reformed Church, Antrobus Street, into a mixed-use community and events space.
The Grade II listed building, which sits within the town centre conservation area, has stood largely empty since the congregation merged with another church in the diocese.
A planning statement submitted by Holme Planning Partnership said the proposal would “secure the viable reuse of a long-standing vacant building” and deliver “much-needed community space” in the heart of the town.
The church, a part three-storey building with mezzanine levels, previously operated as a place of worship with community functions.
Part of the lower ground floor already has permission for storage and distribution use, having been used for the sale of antiques.
The applicants said the decline in attendance meant the church could no longer sustain the building, which has been on the market for a “protracted period” without attracting a buyer.
While a minister still visits occasionally for administrative tasks, the building is otherwise unused.
Under the plans, the main hall would host non-religious wedding ceremonies and receptions, evening entertainment, and a range of community activities including toddler groups, exercise classes, reading groups and support sessions.
The statement said the new use would be “similar to that which has been on site previously”, with the evening entertainment element being the main addition.
“While there may be a perceived material change in the use of the site, in reality, the property will continue to function in much the same way as it did previously, with the evening entertainment element being the main addition to the site.
“The proposed use of the site will secure a longer term future and long term income for the property which can be reinvested into the built structure.
“The proposals ensure that the public can continue to access and benefit from the building, and ensures that the property can remain in an active and viable use into the future.”
The plan said that only limited physical changes were proposed.
Secondary glazing would be installed in the main hall to help manage noise, and some pews would be removed to create flexible space, with others retained along the side walls.
Any further alterations would require separate listed building consent.
The applicants said the scheme would protect the heritage asset, generate income for its upkeep, and allow the public continued access to the building.
“The proposals ensure that the property can remain in an active and viable use into the future,” the statement said.
The planning statement said the scheme complied with national planning policy, including the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and with Cheshire East’s Local Plan Strategy.
Policies supporting the reuse of brownfield land, the vitality of town centres and the conservation of heritage assets were cited in support.
The applicants said the proposal would strengthen Congleton’s evening economy and create new jobs.
They also said the building’s current vacant state had made it attractive to antisocial behaviour, and that bringing it back into use would improve the character of the area.
The statement added: “The development proposed will improve the health and well-being of the local community, through delivering a purpose-driven development that seeks to bring the community together.”
It said residents nearby would not be disturbed, noting: “While there will inevitably be an increase in activities on site over and above that seen in the last couple of years, the limited intensity of the use proposed and the careful management of operations on site will ensure that neighbouring residential amenity is not unduly affected and certainly not any greater level than the lawful use of the site.”
It said pre-application engagement had already taken place, including social media updates, discussions with neighbours and an open day at the building. The applicants said feedback had been “phenomenally positive”.
The planning statement said the proposal would not harm the building’s character or its setting, and that public benefits — including securing its long-term future — outweighed any limited impacts.
Cheshire East Council will determine the application in due course, with an officer using delegated powers rather than a councillor meeting.
The application reference number is 26/3016/LBC.
The application is for listed building consent for change of use of from a place of worship with ancillary storage and distribution uses to a wedding and events venue and community hall.
