Bollington church conversion plans rejected

Cheshire East has refused plans to convert St John the Baptist Church in Church Street, Bollington into 18 apartments

The church closed about 20 years ago.

Bollington councillor Ken Edwards (Lab), who spoke as a visiting member, told the meeting of the northern planning committee: “On behalf of the town council and many members of our community, including the Anglican congregation led by our Reverend Nancy Goodrich, we’re desperate to see this magnificent building positively reused for the community.”

The committee was told the church had been bought by the applicant, Mark Simpkin, several years ago and permission was granted to convert it into 13 luxury apartments in 2010.

Mr Mark Simpkin told councillors that scheme had not proved commercially viable and since submitting this latest application, nearly three years ago, it has been passed from one planning officer to another. “When I looked at Rightmove this morning there were 68 houses for sale in Bollington but only four to rent,” said Mr Simpkin.

He said the committee had a chance to save an important local building for the benefit of Bollington. “It’s obvious there’s a distinct shortage of small, private rented accommodation, that granting planning permission today will provide.”

“Having been on this journey for 13 years and having spent more money insuring it over the years than I paid for it, I feel this is the last opportunity I can give the church for it to be put back in a productive use that would benefit the community,” he said.

Bollington resident, Brian Perkins, urged the committee to follow the planning officer’s recommendation and refuse the scheme.

He said: “St John’s is a peaceful, open space used by residents in a spiritual way. This will be devastated if either of these plans move forward.” Macclesfield Cllr Nick Mannion (Lab) said he hadn’t seen an application come forward which failed to comply with so many policies.

He added: “My personal view on listening today and reading the report, is you’re trying to get too many units into this space.” Earlier in the meeting, planning officer Paul Wakefield had said 11 of the apartments didn’t meet required spacial standards. Cllr Mannion proposed refusal ‘with some reluctance’.

This was seconded by Cllr Anthony Harrison (Chelford, Con). Nine councillors voted for refusal and one abstained. The reasons for refusal included some rooms would have an insufficient provision of natural daylight and non-compliance with the space standards.

A separate application for listed building consent for conversion of the grade two listed church to 18 apartments was unanimously approved, however the previous refusal means the scheme cannot go ahead.