Plans to convert chapel into homes withdrawn

Ailsworth Methodist Church held its last service in 2021

Plans to convert a village chapel into three new homes have been withdrawn.

CAMPA Portfolio Ltd applied to convert the Ailsworth Methodist Church in Peterborough into three low-maintenance properties for young professionals or retirees.

The original chapel on Main Street was built in 1860 and held its last service in 2021 before going up for sale.

The plans received several objections, including from Ailsworth Parish Council, which raised concerns about the lack of parking and overdevelopment of the site.

The local highway authority also raised objections to the plans, citing poor parking facilities and inadequate access to the site.

Planning documents from the applicant argued that the development would "contribute positively to the character and distinctiveness" of the area by re-purposing a building no longer suited to its original use.

It added that key refurbishment works would have been carried out to increase the building's lifespan, such as re-pointing and replacing windows and doors.

However, CAMPA Portfolio Ltd withdrew the planning application on Tuesday.