RESIDENTS have backed a planning application to convert a disused church hall into a residential bungalow.

Letters have been submitted to Durham County Council in favour of the transformation of St Edmund’s Church Hall, in Bearpark, Durham.

The plan also has the support of Rev Canon Alan Bartlett, who says the money raised from the sale of the hall is “crucial” in ensuring the church remains suitable for community use.

The plans outline minor changes to the exterior of the building, such as pointing the existing brickwork, renewing the slate roof covering, and renewing all doors and windows.

The new owners also hope to build a new double garage to match the brickwork of the main building and create a driveway which will provide off-street car parking for approximately four vehicles.

In his letter, Rev Bartlett states: “St Edmund’s Church Hall has been disused since the winter of 2019. At that stage it was only being used twice a week, however both of these groups have discontinued their use of the hall.

“St Edmund’s Church itself almost closed at Easter 2019 which would have rendered the hall completely redundant. The local church no longer has the resources to sustain this building.

“In fact the capital raised by sale of the hall is crucial for re-ordering St Edmund’s Church by installing a toilet and kitchen and to configure part of the church to ensure it is suitable for 21st century use and to create space for community use.

“There is no demand for use of this Hall, as evidenced above and within 100m of the Hall are the Bearpark Community Centre, Bearpark Methodist Chapel and Bearpark Working Men’s Club, all of which are much better community facilities.”

The hall was listed for sale in 2019 and again in January 2020 and Rev Bartlett says no offers have been made which would include its retention for community usage.

A statement submitted with the application reads: "The proposal is to convert St. Edmund’s Church Hall and create a residential bungalow wholly within the Church Hall footprint. Additionally there will be a detached double garage to the front of the site which will be partially screened by existing Laurel trees/shrubs within the curtilage."

Members of the public have also sent letters of support to Durham County Council regarding the application.

One said: "I drive past this disused church hall on a daily basis on my commute to and from work.

"It would be lovely to see it turned in to home rather than a gathering point for underage drinkers, fly tipping and vandalism."

Another said: "I am thrilled to see that the applicant has submitted great plans to turn this building into a great and individual home.

"The old hall needs a new purpose and the plans submitted mean that it will be brought into a new use for a long time to come. Fantastic

A decision is due to be made by July 10. To view the planning application online visit: publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search DM/20/01228/FPA.