A DISUSED church in Liskeard could become a multi functional community space with flats located above it.

Mr Andrews has applied to change the use of the Wesley Methodist Church at Baytree Hill, Liskeard, into a gallery and café with two flats in the former Sunday school.

Built in 1846, the church and its accompanying Sunday school served Liskeard for many years as a place of worship and recreation. Designed by the architect Henry Rice, the building has been given a Grade II listing by Historic England.

A planning statement says: “It is intended that the new proposed uses for the building will allow for new public use and increased accessibility and cultural contribution as its use as a place of worship is no longer viable. The creation of dwellings would help to contribute to the financial viability of the café/gallery space and will help provide local housing.

“It is hoped that the creation of a café/gallery space would help to boost economic activity and footfall in the town centre.

“The proposal has been designed to minimise intervention to the historic structure with a Heritage Impact Assessment undertaken to establish the most significant features and make a plan for their conservation.

“In the proposed café/gallery, original stained-glass windows, stone walls and timber roof trusses would be retained and preserved. In the residential areas, the few heritage features which remain (any wall plaques and skylight) would be retained and restored.

“Additions would be made to ensure both areas of the building are fit for their new uses. In the cafe/gallery this would include the addition of a cafe counter/ bar and kitchen area. The pews on the ground floor level would also be removed to create flexible, useable space.

“Some of the wood would be retained in the building and be repurposed as part of the cafe counter/ bar or as seating. The pews on the mezzanine level would remain and be utilised for performances and events. It is intended to make use of existing signage boards on the exterior of the building to create as little disruption as possible to the facade of the building and have it remain in keeping with the surrounding architecture.

“In the flats, alterations would include the addition of stud-work to divide the spaces to create living accommodation including kitchen and bathroom facilities, designed with an architect experienced in heritage properties.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The plans can be viewed using reference PA26/05090 on the Cornwall Council planning portal.