Former Decades Nightclub, Oakegates, Telford, Shropshire.

 

Planning Approval for New Place of Worship.

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En-Plan were approached to act as the Planning & Architectural Consultants for Peace Chapel International in Oakengates in order to submit a Change of Use Application to Telford & Wrekin Council.  The application was accompanied by a Heritage Statement as the building was a building of local historical importance and as such En-Plan were able to demonstrate the proposed change of use would be sympathetic to the building and the wider area and the application has received planning approval.

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The site forms part of the Oakengates Town Centre.   The historic character is captured in the following quote:

“In 1843 the Wellington Congregationalists instituted services in Oakengates, the first being held in a room in the Charlton Arms, Market Street. A Sunday school began at the same time. Oakengates's first minister was appointed in 1846; a schoolroom in Lion Street opened in 1847, and the chapel that surmounted it in 1848. Of brown brick and slate, the chapel has a three-bayed front with brick pilasters, rendered entablature and pediment, and carved consoles to the windows. It was originally four bays deep, and a two-storeyed fifth bay was later added. In 1848 the congregation of 21 gained independence from Wellington. The congregation grew during the later 19th century and between 1855 and 1868 side galleries and classrooms were built. In 1937 there were sittings for 500. The Congregationalists (United Reformed Church) began to share a building with the Methodists when Oakengates United church opened in 1981.” (Source: British History online)

https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/salop/vol11/pp301-302

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The Planning Assessment

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The planning application was judged having regard to the policies and proposals in the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan 2011 - 2031 set out below, and to all relevant material considerations, including National and Supplementary Planning Guidance:

 

The planning application is for the change of use of a nightclub to a place of worship. Whilst over time the building has been used for a variety of uses, most recently a nightclub, it was formally a place of worship and therefore reinstating its previous use is considered to be acceptable. Policies COM1 and COM2 of the TWLP support developments which see the introduction of community facilities in district centres, which Oakengates is, and where it provides cultural facilities and opportunities. The scheme is located in the centre of Oakengates and is therefore considered to be a suitable location for a community facility. No adverse impacts would occur as a result of the development and no comments from nearby neighbouring properties or Oakengates Town Council have been received.

 

The Council’s Highways team expressed concern that the use would usually require a number of parking spaces to be provided, however concluded that due to the sustainable location of the building in the centre of Oakengates, the scheme would be served by a number of public car parks nearby and public transport links are acceptable and therefore have no objection to the scheme. The building is also on the register as local interest building within the borough so consultation with the Council’s Conservation Team was required. As no external alterations are proposed, the Conservation Team had no objection as the significance of the building would be retained.

 

Overall, the submited application was considered to be appropriate for its location and would provide a new community facility in a District Centre. No objections were raised by Oakengates Town Council or neighbours and the scheme would have no significant detrimental impact upon nearby uses or properties. The proposal is therefore considered to be compliant with local plan policies and the NPPF.

 

The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against all material considerations, including planning policies and any representations that may have been received, and subsequently determining to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

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