A former Methodist chapel is to become two homes complete with four car parking spaces after plans were approved by the council.

Ben Wilkinson of Beck Homes Ltd, submitted an application with Pendle Council on December 15 to alter and change the use of the former Methodist chapel in Keighley Road, Colne, into two semi-detached dwellings, as part of an adjacent, already approved, but not yet completed, residential scheme.

The chapel has not been in use since 2015 and as a consequence is in a poor state of repair, so the proposal aims to retain the building with no new extensions or new openings, but split the property in the middle, creating enough floor space to accommodate two three-bedroom homes over two floors.

A design and access statement submitted with the plans reads: “The design of the two dwellings have utilised the existing openings to the front and rear elevations.

“No new openings or extensions to the building are necessary. This approach has retained the buildings fabric and fenestrations as originally built

“All existing stonework and pointing to the front and rear elevations to be repaired where necessary and matching materials to be used. The rendered finish to the side elevation to be repaired and painted.

“All existing slate and leadwork to be repaired where necessary and matching materials to be used.

“All existing single glazed windows to be replaced with double glazed matt black UPVC woodgrain units. The design of the new windows has accommodated the new floor.

“New doors to the front and rear elevation to be matt black UPVC wood grain.

“All existing gutters and downspouts to be repaired and painted matt black.”

The proposed parking has been designed to create two spaces per dwelling.

A covering letter submitted alongside the application on behalf of Beck Home Ltd states: “We believe that a residential use would be compatible with the surroundings and that the scale and appearance of the building would remain as a feature within the existing street scene.”

Pendle Council granted full approval for the plans on January 18.