Tremeirchion chapel to become home despite road fears

Nigel Heckman applied to Denbighshire Council’s planning department, seeking permission to convert Eglwys Methodist Church and Vestry in Tremeirchion.

The plans were debated at a planning committee meeting at Ruthin’s County Hall HQ.

Residents objected to the proposals, citing highways concerns, “plan accuracy” and drainage fears as reasons.

The committee heard how the application had been amended several times over the past year.

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Speaking in favour of his plans, applicant Mr Heckman said both he and his wife, Jane, were hoping to carry out the work so they could live at the property.

“We are both long-standing residents of Tremeirchion,” he told the chamber.

“We are not property developers, and we are looking to create a residential property for our own use. This property creates a unique opportunity to create a totally step-free property, which is ideal for our needs.”

Mr Heckman then said the building could be converted into a crèche or nursery without planning consent, which would cause far more highway issues than a single home.

Mr Heckman said the application had received “many objections over the last 12 months” but added he’d amended road plans in line with the highway officers’ recommendations.

The applicant also said he’d not received objections from The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty committee and also had had approval from NRW regarding drains.

But resident Bethan Owens also addressed the committee, pleading with councillors to reject the proposals.

“It is a real shame that there is no compassion or desire to retain the chapel and vestry for use as a community hub for the future,” she said. “The application will overshadow and overlook Ty Capel with a total loss of amenity and privacy.

“There is a significant encroachment of the site with a change of layout and density of the buildings and proposed tree planting.

“The appearance, character, scale, and dominance of the building of those plans are not in keeping with the local area.”

She added: “The type of materials proposed, timber cladding, composite fencing, glazing specifications, it is a major overdevelopment of what is already a small site.

“Whatever your decision is today, please understand you can walk away; however, it is us, the people who live there, that will have to live with the consequences for ever.”

Local councillor Chris Evans added: “One of my concerns is – and I have brought this to residents and to Mr and Mrs Heckman – that the road is a country lane, but it is a 60mph road.

“I’ve got concerns not just for the residents and other road users but also for Mrs Heckman who has told us that she is disabled, and there are vehicles coming straight out on to that road, and I wouldn’t be a county councillor if I didn’t highlight the concerns of the residents about that part of the road.”

He added: “The community council has battled for many years to try and get a stop sign on the junction further down the road.

“I’m glad they are breathing life into the building, but we have to make it right. It is a historic building with historic windows.”

Tremeirchion, Cwm, and Waen Community Council had also opposed the plans, raising fears about a septic tank, the loss of a community building, and the impact on neighbouring properties as the reasons.

The community council also said the loss of the chapel windows could be damaging to the character of the area.

But the committee voted in favour of the officers’ recommendation of backing the development, with conditions to be agreed, with twelve councillors voting in favour, one abstention, and one against.

The conversion will include the demolition and rebuilding of the vestry and the erection of a single storey extension, and the formation of vehicular access, as well as a parking area and associated works.