Methodist chapel to be turned into three flats

A PROPOSAL to turn a Methodist chapel into three flats has been approved, to the disappointment of community groups and villagers.

The plan for Somerby Methodist chapel into three flats was approved by Melton Borough Council, with planning officers pointing out that no community groups had made a bid on the building prior to the planning application being submitted, and stating the village hall provided a suitable alternative.

Villager and coordinator of the parish community hub, Davina Bates, said the chapel and adjoining village hall had played an important community role for 60 years.

Pointing out that there are already plans to add some 40 homes to the area, she added: “It does make me wonder if we need another house on the high street when so many others are planned. This will take away a long-standing community asset.”

The developer has agreed to make a £10,000 contribution to extending the village hall to compensate for the loss of community space, in line with council policy.

This is despite the dwindling use of the building as a place of worship and a community centre in the years before it was bought by a developer in 2019.

Councillor Carl Powell of Somerby Parish Council said, while they did not want an empty building, the proposed funds will not come close to covering the costs of the necessary extension.

“We quite simply do not know if we could raise the remaining£30,000 to £40,000 we would need,” he said.

The council voted six to three in favour of approving the planning permission with the provision that the money be set aside for general use in improving the village hall.