Businessman’s plan to convert Fenland church into workshop and offices set for rejection

The Methodist Church, North Green (Image: Archant)

Neil Tuckey asked Fenland District Council for permission to convert The Methodist Church, on North Green, Coates, into the base for Blinds in Harmony Ltd, which manufactures curtains and roller blinds.

The Methodist Church, North Green (Image: Archant)

The family business, which has been running for 15 years, has a showroom and shop in Whittlesey but Mr Tuckey says they have outgrown the premises and need to transfer the business to the church.

No external changes are proposed to the church but they planned to change the timber floor inside the chapel to a concrete one.

However, planning officers have recommended that the council’s planning committee refuses Mr Tuckey’s application at its meeting next Wednesday.

Stephen Hodson, Mr Tuckey’s agent, said: “No harm will be caused by our client’s proposal.

“It is putting a redundant building into a sound non-invasive commercial use which will help maintain the building in a good state of repair.”

The proposal received a mixed response from Coates residents.

Two letters of objection raised concerns about traffic and parking and argued the church should not be put into commercial use since “it is a wonderful green which is the pride of this village”.

But a letter backing the proposal said it would be “pleasing to see a building of historical value retain a modern use when it is no longer required as a place of worship”.

Officers acknowledged the potential economic benefits but felt it would threaten Coates’ heritage.

The report to the committee said: “The potential re-use of the building along with the economic and employment benefits are noted.

“But it is considered that the adverse impact upon the character and setting of this important open space, which plays a significant role in the historic and current character of Coates, would outweigh the benefits.”