A Methodist church building in Mansfield will be demolished and replaced with a smaller church and 12 supported-living apartments for disabled people.
Mansfield District Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the proposals for the site on Chesterfield Road South on Monday, 20 July.
The existing church is considered no longer fit for purpose, with planning documents describing it as being in poor condition, energy inefficient and unsuitable for current religious and community activities.
The 12 apartments will be built in a separate two-and-a-half-storey block measuring about 11 metres high. A staff member will be based on site to support residents.
The replacement church will be built on the grassed area at the corner of Chesterfield Road South and Marlborough Road, while the apartments will occupy the site of the existing building.
The new single-storey church will have a contemporary design, including steeply sloping roof sections fitted with solar panels. It will also have air conditioning.
Its smaller footprint will allow the number of church parking spaces to increase from six to 20. A further eight spaces will be provided for the apartments.
Planning officer Dan Galpin told councillors the replacement church would improve the site’s design and functionality, adding that the current building was in a state of disrepair.
Speaking for the applicant, Michael Gilford said the scheme would provide much-needed specialist housing and help disabled residents live more independently with appropriate support.
Councillor Anne Callaghan, Mansfield District Council’s portfolio holder for housing, supported the application, saying accommodation for people with disabilities was “very much needed” in the district.
By Joseph Connolly, Local Democracy Reporter