Chirk: Chapel could be converted into residential homes

The authority’s planning department has received an application to convert Black Park Chapel in Chirk into one four-bedroom property, with another four-bedroom bungalow.

A design and access statement prepared by Blueprint Architectural Services on behalf of the applicants, the Black Park Chapel Trust, says the development will be sympathetic to the chapel, and recognises its importance in the community.

It states: “Black Park Chapel is thought to have been a Methodist Chapel which was built in 1880.

“It is unknown when the Chapel was shut down, however, the building has been recently refurbished and extended to provide a community music facility.

“With the knowledge that this building has historical meaning to the community, it was crucial during the design stage to ensure that any changes made would respect the existing structure.

“The purpose of this document is to highlight the benefits the proposed conversion will provide to the client and the community.”

Plans submitted with the application outlines that all existing chapel openings are to be retained to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance both externally and internally.

Black Park Chapel, Chirk

The existing building can be accessed off the Halton roundabout and features Gothic style windows to the front elevation and sash windows to the side elevations.

It will be fully insulated to meet the requirements of the current building regulations, ensuring the dwellings will be thermally and acoustically efficient.

According to the applicants, the development can be considered as sustainable as it would be reusing an existing building rather than constructing from new. Where new materials are to be used, materials are to be reclaimed and/or sourced locally.

The design and access statement adds: “We are utilising an existing resource and creating two residential units within an existing structure.

“The proposal will enhance the structure and ensure the building is converted to the highest standard. The conversions will ensure the building is overhauled and in a good state of repair, ensuring maintenance on the structure will not be required for a number of years.

“We feel this planning application should be looked upon favourably as we feel there are no justifiable reasons for refusal.”

Wrexham Council planners will make a decision on the application at a future date.