PLANS have been submitted to transform a derelict Wesleyan chapel on the hills above a town into four flats.

The building has been unused and vacant for more than 50 years.

Jade Hartley of Blackburn-based Hartley Nicolas Homes, has applied to Hyndburn Council for planning permission for the conversion of the former chapel in Broadfield, Green Haworth.

The proposal replaces an earlier one approved for five apartments in the building.

Supporting statements from Bacup-based edmondson design services say: “The site sits on an elevated position to the outskirts of Accrington. It is situated adjacent to a farm, which has now been sold for redevelopment for residential housing.

“This application seeks to apply for the change of use from a derelict chapel to form four dwellings, each containing three bedrooms.

“It also relates to external alterations, erection of entrance porches, parking provision and landscaping.

“The chapel was built in 1836 and re-built with a front addition in 1903.

“There were several similar chapels formed by the off-shoot of the Methodist Church within the area. Most similar chapels have become redundant and either demolished or re-used as either residential dwellings or nursing homes and similar uses.

“The building has a local historical value.

“The application forms a similar proposal to previously granted, which indicates the council have deemed it acceptable.

“Bringing the building back into use is considered to have a positive overall impact on the surrounding area and will also ensure that this attractive building is retained.

“The building is of limited aesthetic value in its current state however with the works proposed would become a visually enhanced building. The proposal will in no way detract from the historical value of the building, but given the current state of repair, will only enhance the location whilst retaining a building in a prominent location for future years.”

Some pews will be re-used as bench seating in the porches.