Bid to turn chapel into family home
PLANS have been lodged to turn a former chapel into a private home.
Tabernacle Chapel in Pontyates in the Gwendraeth Valley has been empty for a number of years, but its cemetery remains in use.
Under proposals a family has submitted plans to Carmarthenshire Council to turn the chapel into a new home for themselves.
Applicants Kevin and Jackie Morgans, who live in the village, did look at other possible commercial ventures for the building but found the village already had several amenities.
In a covering letter the husband and wife duo said: “We have tried looking at different ways for converting the chapel into a commercial property but due to Pontyates as a village having so many amenities within it already, we have not found it to be viable.
“There is also another chapel within our village that has already been converted and is only 500 yards away from our property, the Tabernacle Chapel.”
In a planning report included within the application it states: “Mr and Mrs Morgans wish to convert this former chapel into the prime residence for their family.
“As the building has been vacant for a number of years, the fact that the cemetery remains in use will be factored into the proposal, in that a separate parking bay and new footpath will be provided.”
The report adds: “Tabernacle Chapel is not of any major architectural significance. The proposal is to retain the main building.
“It is proposed to demolish the rear lean-to along with stripping out the main building of its ceiling and other fixtures and fittings.”
The report goes on to say: “The proposed building and its extension will accommodate two storeys with ‘day-time’ living on the ground floor and bedroom and bathroom/en suite accommodation at first-floor level.”
Estate agent John Francis also gives a view of the suitable future use of the chapel, concluding that residential accommodation is the best way forward.
A letter from the estate agent within the application states: “We are of the opinion that its location would deem it not suitable for commercial purposes as its setting back off the road would make it not suitable and would recommend that its use be allocated as residential purposes only.”
The plans will be discussed in the near future by Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee.