A church which closed with a congregation of just five worshippers is set to be turned into a respite home with a community library and cinema room. Cheshire West and Chester Council has approved the application for Moulton Methodist Church on Main Road, Moulton, near Winsford, which shut its doors in 2020.
Care Liberty Group's plans involve converting the building into a short-term residential care facility with seven bedrooms for adults with learning disabilities. The locally listed building, situated at the junction of Main Road and Chapel Street, was built in 1875 but ceased operations following a unanimous vote by trustees, ending services on October 31, 2020.
A letter to the planning department cited falling membership as the main reason for closure, with only eight members, five of whom could regularly attend, all over the age of 80. A design and access statement said: "Today's youngsters, Gen Z, have since grown into an economic and cultural force that is more akin to using technology, YouTube, ChatGPT, Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp to name a few, and influence via social media behind many of the biggest fashion trends setter rather than attending churches."
The report said another contributing factor for the closure was the 'significant increase' in daily running costs of large religious buildings.
The new facility is set to provide temporary relief for residents, allowing them to 'take a break'. Each resident will stay for 'three or four' nights and will have a personalised care plan.
The residents will be over 18 and may have learning disabilities or complex health needs. The accommodation will feature ensuite private bedrooms, two lounge areas, a cinema room, kitchen, separate bathroom, a garden, and a community library available to locals.
A planning officer's report approved the project, stating: "While the loss of the church is regrettable, the village of Moulton is also supported by the Parish Church, St Stephens, located some 400m away, who have made a declaration of ecumenical welcome and commitment, offering pastoral care and support to the remaining members of the Moulton Methodist church."
The report added that the local community could access facilities at St Stephen's or the Royal British Legion for non-church-related community uses. Previous plans submitted by another developer to convert the building into three homes were met with concerns from neighbours worried about the impact on parking.
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