Plan for Flushing Methodist Church to be house in Cornwall

Unlike the previously refused application, however, this application is to convert the empty chapel into just one property.

Previously the application was from the Methodist Church itself, to turn the building on Kersey Road into three units, but permission was refused in 2020. It later went to appeal, but this was dismissed by a planning inspector.

The chapel was then put up for sale by auction in December and subsequently sold.

There is now a planning application submitted by architectural consultant Andrew Thomas on behalf of the unnamed new owner, the details of whom have been redacted in the plans for Cornwall Council.

In his application, Mr Thomas writes: “This application is to convert into one unit with integral parking within the rear section.

“The scale of the property will be unchanged, with no extensions needed.

“Existing window and door proportions will remain unchanged.”

It is proposed to turn the building into a single, four-bedroom house.

The interior of the Methodist chapel when it was sold (Image: Lodge & Thomas) (Image: Lodge & Thomas)

One of the previous concerns over converting the chapel into housing was the increase in vehicles, with that area – and Flushing as a whole – struggling over lack of parking.

Documents submitted with the new planning application state that a large opening would be created along the south-west side, to allow vehicular access.

“The existing pedestrian access off Kersey Road will be unchanged. The pedestrian access off the side lane on the south-west side will be enlarged to provide vehicular access for one to two cars, and pedestrian access,” writes Mr Thomas.

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In addition, the kitchen blockwork extension on the north-east side would be demolished, to allow for a small courtyard to be created.

It is described as ‘market housing’ on the application.

The rear of the Methodist chapel (Image: Lodge & Thomas) (Image: Lodge & Thomas)

In November last year people living in Flushing were being urged to join a campaign to try to buy the former Methodist chapel for 'primary housing', over fears it could be turned into an Airbnb.

Kersey Road resident Vincent Roberts joined forces with Community Land Trust Ambos in a bid to buy the site, and residents were encouraged to pledge their support, but an update on the Flushing Methodist Church Facebook page in April stated simply: “The chapel has now been sold.”

The chapel was closed during its 200th anniversary year in 2016, due to declining congregation sizes, and has remained empty ever since.