Plans submitted to demolish out of use church

The church was built in 1961, but did not reopen after the pandemic

Church leaders have applied to demolish a decommissioned church in Shrewsbury, saying that it could be a danger to people if left to dilapidate further.

The Our Lady Of Pity on Meadow Close did not reopen after the Covid pandemic, and was deconsecrated - or transferred from sacred to secular use - in May 2024, after "dangerous" structural issues were found.

The Roman Catholic diocese of Shrewsbury applied to Shropshire Council for permission to demolish the building.

Church leaders proposed that it should be closed permanently and knocked down, with the site "relegated to profane, but not sordid use".

Planning agent Cunliffes said: "The church have cited that repairs to the church building are likely to be substantial and that the parish has been operating well in caring for the souls across the cathedral town of Shrewsbury without use of Our Lady of Pity in the 16 months it was closed prior to de-consecration.

"If it is allowed to dilapidate any further the building could be of danger to people, vehicles and other buildings within proximity if any of it were to fall or break off during high winds or a storm.

"Due to the Archdiocese of Shrewsbury's resources, it is deemed that demolition of the building and for the site to be reused would be more beneficial to the local community and those surrounding the site."