Church's 21st century face-lift

12:17pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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THE redevelopment of a Penketh church that could provide 21st century facilities has won the approval of councillors.

Plans for Penketh Methodist Church to be pulled down and a new centre built in its place were passed unanimously by Warrington Borough Council's planning committee last Wednesday, April 23, despite a number of residents objecting to the proposals.

At the planning committee meeting Clr Fiona Bruce (CON-Penketh), said: "It is an application that will provide 21st century facilities for the people of west Warrington. It is based on an award-winning design, and will be tailored to the needs of the community."

It was argued that the Chapel Road building was not fit for purpose and the costs to repair the existing church, which was built in 1861, would be more expensive than demolishing it to start again.

Clr David Earl (LD-Westbrook) said: "She is a lovely building, but she's showing her age."

Residents raised objections that their privacy would be lost and raised concerns about the boundary walls.

Clr Linda Dirir (LAB-Penketh), who is on the planning committee, stepped down for the issue and spoke about the application, saying she had referred it to the panel to give people the chance to have their say.

The re-build will be funded mostly by the church and the new centre will be available to different community groups and events such mother and toddler groups and performances.