Plan to convert remote north Shropshire church into 'house and retail store' is refused

The former United Reform Church in Wollerton, near Tern Hill, dates back to 1867, but has stood empty since it closed in 2022.

The building, including the graveyard, was snapped up after being advertised for sale last year, having been described by agents as a "development opportunity" with the potential for converting into a residence.

An application for a change of use put forward by Mr Ian Grave on behalf of Sussex-based audio-visual company More Than AV would have seen the building split and converted into a mixed-use property - including around 200 square metres of floorspace set aside for a shop unit.

Mr Grave had applied for a change of use for the building in March, with no works proposed as part of the application, with a more detailed scheme set to be brought forward later on.

But Shropshire Council planning officers said that while a residential development could potentially be supported, the remote location of the church in the village of Wollerton, around three miles outside Market Drayton, made plans for a business in the building unsustainable.

"In terms of retail, the proposed development is deemed to be in an unsustainable location, providing limited benefits to the locality and for those reasons is not complaint with the relevant adopted planning policies," said a report by the council's planning officer.

"No supporting information demonstrating the need for the proposed retail use in this rural area has been provided, the development would not see the diversification of an existing rural holding or business, and the land does not fall within any identified settlement boundary, development boundary, nor does it relate to an allocated development site."

In addition, officers said that the apparent nature of the business as an audio retailer could lead to noise issues with neighbours if permission was granted.

"The proposed retail area and associated storage area for audio equipment, as detailed on the submitted floor plan will adjoin the proposed residential use and will also adjoin the existing neighbouring property to the east," the report added. 

"The nature of the retail use for the sale of audio equipment raises concerns with regards to potential noise impacts caused to the adjoining residential uses."

The scheme was refused by Shropshire Council on May 7. 

The application can be viewed online via the council's planning portal under reference 25/00836/FUL.