Chapel restoration works at Saint Pauls Methodist Church, Rochdale Road, Shaw, Oldham

What was proposed

The application proposed partial chapel reconstruction, a new gable wall, repairs to the Sunday School, graveyard restoration and railings refurbishment.

“Proposal: Partial rebuild of the chapel walls, formation of salvaged stone storage enclosure within the footprint of the chapel. Restoring the existing graveyard to the front of the chapel and Refurbishment / Repair of 19 th Century iron railings. Erection of New Permanent Gable wall to Sunday School/Chapel. Replacement to Entrance Door Sets to Sunday School and Internal works including repairing damaged timber floors, repairs to Escape Staircase…”

“The application proposes the partial reconstruction of the Church and Sunday School buildings, including the reinstatement of a collapsed gable wall, the formation of a new permanent gable, and repairs to the structural and architectural elements.”

Officer report

The site

The site contains a Grade II listed Methodist church, Sunday School, former nursery building and two car parks.

“The site is located on the northern side of Rochdale Road and is flanked by Chapel Street to the east, King Albert Street to the north, and Crompton Way is located to the west. The site comprises the Grade II listed St Paul’s Methodist Church. The original chapel was built in 1863 and designed by architect James Simpson. The Sunday School to the rear was built in 1871. The former nursery building was a 20 th century…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would stabilise and partly restore the listed building, enable reuse and provide public and community benefits outweighing heritage harm.

“The repair and partial restoration of a severely damaged Grade II listed building, securing its long-term retention; • The reintroduction of the building’s use as a place of worship, delivering social and community value; • The creation of a publicly accessible ‘peace garden’, providing communal and heritage benefits; and • Economic and social benefits associated with construction activity and ongoing use.”

“The proposed scheme would secure the stabilisation, partial reconstruction and viable reuse of the listed building and associated Sunday School. It would significantly improve the condition and appearance of the site, secure its long-term occupation, and deliver meaningful public access and community benefit.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and Environmental Health raised no objections subject to conditions, while heritage bodies differed over the extent of harm and the lack of full chapel reconstruction.

“Environmental Health No objections subject to conditions…”

“Historic England Historic England welcomes the submission of the Heritage Statement and Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, noting these provide a comprehensive understanding of the site, including the extent of burials. They acknowledge that whilst the proposals would result in harm, the consolidation and repair of the remaining structure, retention of salvaged materials, and restoration of the graveyard and railings would deliver heritage benefits.”

Officer report

What residents said

The application received 294 objections and a 338-signature petition, covering parking, heritage, amenity, missing information, ecology, religion and disturbance to burials.

“Highways, Access, and Parking • Repeated concern that only 24 spaces are proposed for a use that could attract 300–500 visitors, especially on Fridays. • Local streets are already overloaded, with pressure on parking for residents and businesses. • No formal parking strategy included in the application. • Site is located at/near a signalised junction already under pressure.”

“Perceived use of the site as a mosque or Islamic centre: • Potential Loss of Christian heritage: • Concerns that a Christian church and burial site would be repurposed for a different faith. • Concerns about future use or expansion of a mosque: • Potential inter-faith conflicts: • Potential disrespect to the existing (Christian) burial ground: • Belief that the site contains over 400 graves; strong opposition to disturbance.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The applicant made a written submission and a ward member attended and addressed the committee.

The committee vote

A motion to approve was moved and seconded, receiving four votes in favour, three against and one abstention.

“It was MOVED by Councillor Iqbal and SECONDED by Councillor Nasheen that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote 4 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL and 3 VOTES were cast AGAINST with 1 ABSTENTIONS.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“RESOLVED: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions outlined in the report..”

Minutes