Chapel may be used as respite base
AN 18th century rural chapel could be turned into a holiday retreat for ex-servicemen and women with PTSD by a former Llanelli solider.
But concerns that it will no longer be used for weddings and burials are unfounded, it is claimed.
Part of the covenant placed on the sale of the Gerazim Chapel in Cwmcerdinen, Felindre, north of Swansea, was that any new owner should allow the chapel to be used as a place of worship on a regular basis. It was sold at auction in July 2016.
The plans have come under fire with some objectors fearing any religious use would end.
But worshippers will be able to continue to use the 300-year-old remote chapel for services as and when, say those behind the plans.
An application lodged with Swansea Council states the plan is for conversion of “a redundant chapel to residential retreat centre for those suffering from PTSD and their families”.
The project called Chapel House (Ty Capel) Veterans Residential Retreat Centre has a Facebook page outlining the intention.
Former solider Jon Reardon, who is behind the project, has allayed fears raised by objectors.
He said the concerns are unfounded, adding: “We have written consent from the chapel trustees over the plans.
“People can still come and get married there and hold burials, none of that will end.
“What we are doing is wanting to convert a chapel that is in need of repair. It’s a death trap at the moment, and has hardly been used for many years.
“The structural survey was added to the planning application documents a few days ago.”
From the survey, there is a danger of the central internal ceiling collapsing due to the condition of the roof with its leaks over the years and the condition of the wooden floors which have rotted away.
Speaking about the overall scheme, Mr Reardon, 45, from Llanelli, who served with the Royal Signals and saw tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Iraq, said: “If the plans are approved it will be the first of its kind in Wales for ex-servicemen and women.
“I have done a lot of work with PTSD and I work alongside Veterans NHS Wales. A place like this is needed and it will be in a fantastic location.
“The aim is to convert the chapel into a holiday home, with two double bedrooms and a pull out sofa, the chapel should house six people comfortably.
“The chapel will be open plan, with a kitchen, dining and lounge area, looking down on the stunning views of the valley.”
Mawr Community Council, which covers Felindre, objectors.
In a letter to Swansea Council, the council said: “The council would like to advise the (Swansea Council) planning committee, that firstly the chapel was sold at auction with certain caveats.
“Namely that it stayed as a chapel and that at least two services be held at the chapel each year.
“Also family and friends were still to be granted access to the cemetery where their loved ones are buried.”
The council also points out that the last funeral at the remote chapel was only held 18 months ago.
Adding the chapel by law should still be a working place of worship.
The council concluded by saying: “Therefore the community council is among the believes this application should not be allowed to go ahead so the chapel can remain in active use.”
While an objection letter from Sian and Alun Lewis argues the chapel’s original lease dating back to 1809 states it must remain a place of worship for 999 years from that date, meaning there are still 790 years remaining.
Mrs and Mrs Lewis said: “When the building was sold in 2016, it was under the stipulation that religious services could be held there by any person or persons who wished to do so.
“Many people regularly visit the site in order to visit and maintain graves.
“We therefore object in the strongest of terms to desecration of this sacred site.”
Mr Reardon reiterated: “I understand the concerns but they are unfounded, the chapel will still be available for people.”
The plans are expected to be discussed by Swansea Council soon.