New home planned for disused church in rural village near Corby
A former Methodist church in Cottingham could become a house under plans submitted to the council.
Cottingham Methodist Church closed in 2021 and the building was put up for sale, with churchgoers moving to Cornerstone Methodist Church in Corby.
The red-brick building in Corby Road, which was put up by worshippers in 1879 to replace an older building, could now be converted into a luxury home.
Although two previous applications for residential use have been granted and lapsed, a further application submitted to North Northamptonshire Council earlier this month says that the owner now has time to start the renovation of the building and ‘bring it back into active use.’
Blueprints submitted to the council by OG Consulting LLP, a firm which lists its address as Corby Enterprise Centre, show the demolition of a modern rear extension to create a four-bed family home. with two ensuites, family bathroom, lobby, utility room, kitchen, lounge, office, dining area and walk-in wardrobe.
New Velux windows will be installed on the side of the building that doesn't front the road, ensuring the building retains much of its original appearance.
A planning statement says: “The proposed development will not have a negative impact upon the surrounding heritage assets, as the main façade of the building is being maintained and no alterations are proposed, with all changes being internal.
“In fact, the demolition of the rear extension will create an improvement to the Conservation Area as it will remove an unsympathetic structure.
"The proposed development will bring an unused building back into a functional family home, and as North Northampton (sic) Council do not presently have a demonstrable 5-year housing supply, the tilted balance is engaged and though modest, the dwelling will contribute to Corby’s 5-year housing target.”
You can view the proposals (planning application number 26/01569/FUL) here.