Illogan Methodist Chapel offices planning application

The full planning application, submitted by Agar 1809 Ltd, seeks permission to convert the disused Methodist Church, Sunday School and Hall buildings on Agar Road, Illogan Highway, Redruth. All three buildings are individually Grade II listed and collectively known as Illogan Highway Methodist Church. A decision deadline has been extended to April 1, 2026.

The application has been called to committee at the request of the local Electoral Division Member, Cllr Susanne Desmonde, who has backed objections raised by Carn Brea Parish Council. The officer recommendation, however, is for approval with conditions.

Planning officers report that the buildings have been vacant for a prolonged period and are in declining condition. They conclude that continued use for worship or community purposes is no longer viable due to the scale of the buildings, their condition and the significant costs associated with repairs and upkeep.

Officers state that the proposed office use represents “the least harmful adaptative reuse of the grade II listed buildings,” securing their long‑term future.

The former Methodist Church, Sunday School and Hall are all Grade II listed. (Image: Google Street View)

The scheme would retain all three principal buildings, with no extensions proposed. Internally, key historic features of the main church, including the gallery, rostrum and organ, would be retained, while the Hall would incorporate a new mezzanine level supported by steel columns and a central lift shaft to provide inclusive access.

The planning officer notes: “The rear workings of the organ would be removed to facilitate the creation of an enclosed room at the rear whilst retaining the organ keyboard and pipes, which would be retained as prominent feature.

“At ground floor, the pews would be removed and the floor area would largely be retained as a single space. “Alterations to the rear area at the back of building would be carried out to provide enclosed office spaces.

“Whilst there would be some degree of harm arising from the works, this particular building has an extremely challenging interior with a large internal volume and intricate features making it a difficult a space for adaptive reuse. However, it is considered that the key features would be sufficiently retained, allowing for a high degree of ecclesiastical character to be retained, whilst enabling a viable future.”

Historic England initially raised concerns but has since supported the revised proposal. Officers report that in January this year Historic England advised that, subject to the retention of the organ, communion rail, associated platform and rostrum, it would have no further comments. Following further revisions, it confirmed in February that the scheme had been successfully negotiated and had the potential to represent “an exemplar of chapel adaption”.

Parking and access remain the central points of contention. According to Highways, the site proposes approximately eight parking spaces, with access both from Agar Road at the front and via a narrow unmade lane to the rear.

Cllr Desmonde raised strong concerns in a written representation, stating that the proposed parking was “wholly inadequate for a claimed workforce of 18, rising to 30 in number.”

Cllr Desmonde also warned: “The complexity of access on the north frontage and the open nature of the access for vehicles directly from Agar Road and the pedestrian crossing will lead to vehicle conflict and inevitably, reversing direct onto Agar Road.

"These circumstances add up to high risk of accident, harm, and possibly fatal injuries."

Inside the Methodist church (Image: Cornwall Planning Group / Cornwall Council)

Carn Brea Parish Council has formally objected, citing inadequate parking, unsafe access and the loss of a valued community facility.

Highway officers, however, have raised no objections. Highway Development Management – West said that, subject to conditions, the application meets policy requirements, noting existing parking restrictions nearby and the site’s accessibility by bus, walking and cycling. Secure cycle parking and shower facilities are proposed, and officers concluded that the scheme would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety.

Planning officers acknowledge that the proposal would result in the loss of a community facility but say evidence demonstrates that continued community use is not viable. They note that the site was marketed for several months prior to its sale, during which time “there were half a dozen viewings during the time the property was on the market, about one a month, the only strong interest or offer was from the eventual buyer.”

On balance, officers conclude that while there would be some harm to the listed buildings, this would be “less than substantial” and outweighed by the public benefits of securing a sustainable future for the heritage assets, preventing further disrepair and supporting local employment.

The application has attracted 19 objections from members of the public and is due to be determined by Cornwall Council’s West Sub-area Planning Committee at a meeting today (Monday, March 30).

The full planning application can be found on Cornwall Council’s planning portal, ref PA25/06803.