Plans to convert historic town centre church into 'chic' wine bar withdrawn
Proposals to convert an historic town centre church into a ‘chic’ wine bar have been withdrawn, while fresh applications are being prepared.
Fletcher Methodist Church in Madeley has been left unused for 12 years and ambitious plans were revealed in September last year to refurbish the building.
Applicant Mark Chamberlain wanted to convert the Grade II listed building into a restaurant, open market and hairdressers.
Mr Chamberlain proposed for the main church building to become a wine lodge providing food, drink, music and dancing facilities.
The proposal also included opening a forecourt to provide ‘safer access’ for pedestrians from Court Street to the town centre shops.
The only alterations that would be visible from outside the buildings would be ‘a number of’ new fire escape doors and an odour extraction flue.
The plan proved controversial with 41 letters of objection and 29 letters of support received by Telford & Wrekin Council.
Several local businesses supported the plans including True Potential Hypnotherapy who welcomed the proposal to give the church a ‘facelift’.
“It will bring much needed jobs to the area, it will bring extra footfall which will hopefully bring more custom to outlets already in the area,” they added.
The Smash Rooms also supported the proposal welcoming the addition of a venue where people can socialise and live bands can play.
Several other local businesses objected to the proposals including Simon Willcock Antiques, Salon 72 Hair & Beauty and C J Williams Funeral Service.
Fears were raised about existing alcohol problems in the area, anti-social behaviour and parking.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s pollution control specialist made comments around environmental health.
They feared that music noise levels could create noise impact and recommended that a condition is placed to ensure that music noise ‘does not create a nuisance’.
They also suggested that the applicant re-considered their proposed opening hours of until 2am six nights a week.
They added: “People leaving the venue are likely to have been exposed to a loud environment and become desensitised to noise making them louder on leaving.
“There is considered to be significant potential of people noise from patrons arriving and leaving the premise to impact on residents living in close proximity to the premises.”
They also suggested that conditions are imposed to prevent market stalls from being set up or dismantled during nighttime hours.
Representing the applicant Clive Roberts withdrew the plans and told the council that ‘fresh applications will be submitted in due course’.
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