Telford chapel to be transformed into wellbeing studio
A Grade-II listed chapel in Telford will be transformed into a health and wellbeing centre after three years of sitting empty.
The Old Wesleyan Chapel, off Church Road in Coalbrookdale, will be turned from storage space into a wellbeing studio, creating three jobs.
The plans were put forward by Finish strong UK for the first-floor rooms of the historic chapel, opened by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.
Telford & Wrekin planning officer Matthew Thomas said it could help preserve the chapel for future generations.
He said: "The first floor of the building, being subject to this planning application, has previously been occupied as office space but has been vacant for three years. The office space is currently on the open rental market seeking a new tenant.
"The proposal will support the full and appropriate use of the building and importantly the character and appearance of the conservation area shall be preserved.
"It may even be argued that returning a disused part of the listed building back in to active use after three years of being vacant, will assist in enhancing the conservation area, particularly through aiding the long term preservation of the former Chapel."
The business would offer mainly one-to-one sessions with clients with the occasional class for small groups.
The building, which sits within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, was built some time between 1885 and 1886 and is described as an Italianate red brick church built high up over the road.
Over the years since 1976, the building has been used for storage of books, general storage, conservation, repair and renovation of museum exhibits, ground floor workshop units for metalsmith and restorer, ground floor workshop and, most recently, offices and museum storage.
The interior and exterior of the building will not be altered under the plans, and the business, led by applicant Parminder Tutt, will provide appointment-based health consultations for customers.
Mr Thomas added: "The proposed change of use of the first floor to a health and wellness centre is considered acceptable in that the building is located in an accessible area and will support the expansion of an existing and established business within Telford.
"The proposal will bring a currently disused part of the building back in to active use, therefore supporting the long term preservation of this listed building as well as the vitality of the area."
