To let signs have gone up outside a number of disused chapels in Cornwall this week - including an iconic seafront building in Falmouth.

Cornwall Council is offering the disused chapels to the market that are no longer required for the running of the cemetery, which continue to be open to the general public. They are looking for businesses to take on the properties in order to re-purpose them.

They include Camborne Cemetery Chapel, Troon Cemetery Chapel, Helston Cemetery Chapel, St Day Road Chapel, Redruth and Gyllyngdune Chapel (Cliff Road Chapel) in Falmouth.

Other chapels are for sale in Newquay, St Austell, Mevagissey and Torpoint.

The iconic Gyllyngdune chapel was built by Rev William John Coope, the Rector at King Charles Parish Church, in the 1840s. It's not really a chapel.

Reverend Coope created a lush playground for his family which included a monolithic arch, secret tunnel and hidden grotto. Before Cliff Road was completed the gardens stretched all the way down to the sea. And here the Reverend built the small building, known as the Chapel, overlooking the water.

The Victorian folly was probably used by the Coope family of five girls and one son for changing before they descended through the tunnel below to their private beach.

The buildings are advertised as seen, requiring extensive repairs which will be the responsibility of the winning tenderer to undertake in order to bring the buildings up to a good and compliant standard.

To minimise the possibility of disturbance, service lines (if not there already) should be laid under existing pathways if possible and should be included within the schedule of works.

All the chapels are being offered on a 30 year lease subject to a rent free period in recognition of the works required. The tenderer will be expected to get all necessary planning consents for their works and intended use of the property.

READ NEXT:

See inside newly revamped waterfront pub that's causing a bit of a stir!

Planning permission will usually be needed for a change of use and listed building consent for any significant alterations to a listed building. 

The council says it is looking for businesses that are tasteful and respectful to the location such as undertakers, chapel of rest, creative arts, community projects, health, storage etc.

"We are not looking for uses inappropriate to the location such as pubs, creches etc," says the council.

There will be open days for each chapel for any interested parties. Details can be found www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/land-and-property-for-sale-and-to-let/vacant-chapels/.