Plans to turn chapel into shop with Post Office

Plans have been submitted to convert a vacant village chapel into a shop, Post Office and a one-bedroom flat.

David Hartley Associates has applied to transform Ailsworth Methodist Church near Peterborough into a community shop, which would also include a laundry service. The proposal also involves demolishing an existing flat-roof extension to make way for a new flat at the rear of the site.

The chapel, on Main Street, was built in 1860 and held its final religious service in 2021 before being put up for sale.

According to the design statement submitted to Peterborough City Council, the applicant said the proposal "secures the long-term use and revitalisation of a valued community asset".

Plans indicate the shop, selling food and household items, would operate from 07:00 to 20:00, seven days a week, and would employ three part-time staff.

While no dedicated car parking is proposed, five cycle spaces have been included in the plans.

The planning statement adds that "local support is high due to the clear need for local services in Castor and Ailsworth. It is therefore recommended that this proposal be approved".

Earlier this year, plans to convert the chapel into three low-maintenance homes aimed at young professionals or retirees were withdrawn following objections.

Ailsworth Parish Council raised concerns at the time, including the lack of parking and the potential overdevelopment of the site.

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