NEW plans are being proposed to reopen a Grade II listed chapel in St Columb Minor as a place of worship.

Pre application advice has been submitted for the reconfiguration of the St Columb Minor Methodist Church in Church Street to accommodate a worship space, offices, a cafe, all under one leaseholder church group.

Xavier Tila Braddock of MiTime Limited is bringing forward proposals for the “positive re-use” of St Columb Minor Methodist Church.

Sarah Johnson from Dart Architects said: “MiTime Limited has owned the church for several years and the intention is to sensitively reconfigure the existing building to accommodate a worship space, offices, and a small café, all to be operated by a single leaseholder.

“The building has been vacant for over 20 years, and the primary aim of the project is to secure planning permission that enables the building to be brought back into active community use once again.

“The proposals focus on restoring life to the site in a way that respects its history while providing a welcoming space for worship, community activities, and local engagement.

“At this stage, discussions are ongoing regarding the future operating group for the building and the detailed arrangements for occupation.

“Overall, the vision is a positive and sustainable re-use of an important local building, ensuring it can serve the community for many years to come.”

Substantial work will need to be undertaken to bring the building back into use as a place of worship.

A proposed schedule has been put forward for the refurbishment works to the existing listed chapel building, which includes repair, removal of non-original features, and upgrading of historic fabric.

The scheme also includes the installation of new building elements to improve accessibility, thermal performance, and functionality, while preserving the character and significance of the heritage asset.

Dart Architects, in the planning document, said: “The works are limited to refurbishment and internal reconfiguration of the existing building.

“Existing historic fabric will be retained wherever possible and repaired rather than replaced. “

The heritage statement added: “Structural and maintenance issues are documented as already extensive within late 20th century quinquennial inspections.

“The 1999 inspection directly contributing to the decision by the Methodist circuit to dispose of this chapel.

“Water ingress has clearly been a major contributor to timber and internal surface finish damage.

“Ingress from the roof should now have been addressed,.

“Some sagging and corrosion was observed in 2022 to the leaded lights. The building has continued to suffer from vandalism and theft since 2022.

“It is not known if the bird infestation identified in the 2022 has resolved.

“The declining condition of the Community Hall block noted in 2022 has now been largely arrested by recent like for like repairs and renovation.”

Previous plans to convert the former St Columb Minor Methodist Church into two apartments as well as demolish a flat roof extension and replace it with six more apartments was refused by Cornwall Council on the grounds of negative impact on the historic environment, lack of parking and lack of amenity space.