Seven holiday lets at Bowburn Methodist Church Ash Terrace, Bowburn, Durham

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a religious building into seven holiday lets, with changes to windows, wall render and parking areas.

“Full Application Description: Change of use from religious building to 7 holiday lets (flats), external alterations including to fenestration and render to walls.”

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the building from a church to 7no holiday lets. The proposal includes external alterations including alterations to the fenestration, render to walls and demolition of some elements of the building to accommodate off-street parking.”

Officer report

The site

The building was a former Methodist church, considered a non-designated heritage asset within the setting of a conservation area.

“The application site relates to Bowburn Methodist Church situated on Ash Terrace in Bowburn. Access to the site is from Durham Road (A177). The church is not listed but is considered to be a Non-Designated Heritage Asset and sits within the setting of Bowburn Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two local members spoke against the proposal, raising concerns about parking, flooding, heritage, viability and the information supporting visitor demand.

The vote

The motion to approve was proposed and seconded, but the committee vote was tied.

“Councillor D Freeman noted that Members of the Committee had raised a number of issues, adding that the application was far from perfect. He explained that he would have liked better protections for the non-designated heritage assets, however, it had been explained by the Officer why that was not the case. He noted the comments from Councillor M Wilkes as regards parking, and that including the frontage of the building, it may be sufficient for the seven holiday lets.”

“Councillor D Freeman moved that the application be approved, he was seconded by Councillor M Wilkes and upon a vote being taken the vote was tied.”

Minutes