Two Fen churches could be turned into family homes if planning permission is given the green light.

Cambs Times: St Mary Magdalen.Guyhirn.St Mary Magdalen.Guyhirn. (Image: Archant)

The methodist church at Wisbech St Mary and St Mary Magdalen Church at Guyhirn have gone under the spotlight at Fenland District Council’s planning department.

Both churches will stay looking the same from the outside but will have alterations made inside to create living space.

At the methodist church in Wisbech St Mary, which is thought to date back to 1926, the applicants hope to build a first floor inside and a garage at the back.

The organ inside will be removed to create living space.

In a document supporting the plans development officer for Fenland, John Tierney, said : “The former primitive methodist church has little significant heritage value and a prominent position within the village.

“I welcome the re-use of this building and the proposed residential use.”

At the Grade II listed St Mary Magdalen church in Guyhirn, built in 1878, a planning applications states that plans will reflect the importance of maintaining the buildings heritage.

A report says that it is hoped to adopt much of the listed fabric of the building to preserve it for future generations as well as fixing subsidence at the front.

The report states that as much internal fabric will be kept for the existing walls and floors. There will also be sustainable heating systems.

Plans include keeping the pulpit and baptism font at the entrance.

A first floor will be built to create bedroom and bathroom space, while existing roof trusses will be retained, in some instances as a form of ballustrading or to divide bedrooms.

The applicants are keen to make sure the front of the church remains looking the same.

Both applications will go before Fenland planning committee for discussion.