PLANS have been submitted to convert an early 19th century former village Methodist church into the annexe of a house.

The three-storey Providence Methodist Chapel, in Timberscombe, currently has planning permission for use as a community hall.

It was built 190 years ago as a Bible Christian Chapel and was used as such until closure in 2019 and a de-consecration service held in August that year, with permission for community hall use granted in 2023.

Now, next-door neighbour Richard Jeffrey wants to obtain residential permission so it can become an annexe to his home The Old Mill.

Planning agent Chris Ellerton, of Inspired Partnership Ltd, said there would not be any external changes to the building.

Mr Ellerton said: “The proposed change of use to an annexe will offer the building a new lease of life, while ensuring its ongoing maintenance and preservation through a functional use.

Timberscombe's former Providence Methodist Church was part-way through being converted to a community hall but now there are plans to make it an annexe of a house
Timberscombe's former Providence Methodist Church was part-way through being converted to a community hall but now there are plans to make it an annexe of a house (Inspired Partnership)

“The proposed function as an annexe will offer the owners of the host dwelling a valuable flexibility in use and future proof their living arrangements.

“With an extended family, who frequently visit, the annexe will in the first instance offer accommodation for visiting family members and provide them with a degree of privacy.

“When visitors are not present, the annexe will offer a valuable private studio and office space, close to, but separate from the bustle of the host dwelling.”

Mr Ellerton said building work for the previously approved community hall scheme was far advanced, so turning the chapel into an annexe would only take about six weeks from a consent being issued.

He said the refurbishment would benefit Timberscombe by securing the use and maintenance of a heritage asset into the future.

There was enough room at The Old Mill to cater for any extra parking space which might be needed for the annexe.