Plans to demolish former church turned down

A former church has been saved from demolition after a government inspector said plans to replace it with homes would cause "significant harm" to the local area.

Developers wanted to knock down Bethel Methodist Church, which has stood empty for nearly three years, in Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire, and build two three-bedroom houses in its place.

Buckinghamshire Council refused the application in July, arguing there was not enough evidence to show the building was no longer needed by the community.

The applicant, Russell Gascoyne, appealed that decision, and argued there was a "justifiable loss" of the community facility, but the appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The developers claimed the council's shortfall in housing delivery weighed in favour of the development, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In a statement, they said: "It is considered the proposed development would contribute an appropriate windfall site to the borough's housing supply, without adverse effect on the character of the area or the amenity of neighbouring residents."

However, the government inspector concluded that there was not enough evidence to prove the church was no longer needed by the community.

"No substantive evidence is before me of the length of duration this decline took place, what the decline would appear as in numbers, and what congregation numbers would be required to sustain the place of worship prior to its closure."

The inspector added that "the effect on the character and appearance of the local area" and "on the outlook of neighbours" would result in "significant harm".

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.