A former Methodist church in Cornwall could become a new home but time is said to be of the essence.

Pre-application advice is being sought for the proposed conversion of the former Penponds Methodist Church, near Camborne, into a house.

A planning statement on Cornwall Council's planning portal claims that unauthorised works were undertaken by the previous owners of the derelict chapel, which resulted in the loss of most of the remaining historic features, as well as much of the rear wall, which is now a large hole.

The new owners are keen to bring the chapel into use as a home. They wish to regularise works undertaken by the previous owners and, given the sensitivities of the building and its current condition, want to consult with the local authority as to the best route forward for addressing the unauthorised work as well as new proposals.

They say there is a "sense of urgency" as there is concern about the structure of the building given the loss of the back wall and internal bracing, as well as a damaged roof.

Depending on the advice received by planning officers, the owners would then submit proposals for full planning permission to carry out any work.

More details about the application can be found on the council's website via its planning planning, under reference PA24/00125/PREAPP.

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All planning applications submitted to the council have to be validated and are available for inspection by the public. Anyone is also allowed to submit comments about the applications – whether in support or objection.

The majority of applications are decided by planning officers at the council under delegated powers. However, some applications will go before elected councillors who sit on planning committees.

In this case, planning officers will respond to the applicants as it is for advice only in the first instance.