Former homeless hostel in Telford could be turned into 12 apartments

Planning permission has previously been accepted to turn Wesley House, the former Methodist Chapel in Station Hill, Oakengates, into 10 apartments.

But agent Julian Record said that the previous scheme was "poorly conceived".

He says in the plans submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council: "It is proposed to address the shortfalls with the previous scheme and provide a higher quality, more sustainable conversion whilst also maintaining the essential character of the building."

Mr Record added that the building is not a listed building, but it is of local interest. He said features of the building will be preserved, such as the stained glass windows along the front and the ornate brickwork.

The building dates back to 1868 when it was built as a Methodist chapel.

In the early 1980s it was taken over by the Telford Youth Training Agency, then in 1990 the property was converted by the Stay Homeless Project into a homeless hostel and became the subject of the television programme "Challenge Anneka".

This use provided temporary accommodation to young people with the provision of seven bedrooms and shared communal space.

The hostel ceased operating from the premises in 2010 and the building became derelict.

Mr Record said that the building is in "poor condition" and that is has "suffered from vandalism as well as widespread dry rot".

Car parking spaces for 22 cars will be provided to the rear of the building.

A total of 10 apartments will have two bedrooms and two will have one bedroom.

The application will be considered by Telford & Wrekin Council at a later date.