A STOURBRIDGE church could be turned into apartments if a planning application lodged with Dudley Council is successful.

A request for a change of use to convert Hope Baptist Church in Chapel Street into seven flats has been lodged with council planners.

A heritage statement prepared by Agility Planning and Design Ltd, on behalf of the applicant Pioneer Development Services Ltd, says the church congregation is moving to a new purpose-built worship centre which will leave the site vacant.

The existing church dates back to 1836 but due to the move and plan to create a new Hope Centre, on derelict land off Bradley Road, the property will become surplus to requirements.

The church building is included on Dudley’s ‘Local List’ based on the contribution it has made to the local character and distinctiveness of the borough’s townscape and landscape.

The heritage statement, however, says the change of use would “still maintain the overall appearance of a chapel and include enhancements at the boundary with soft landscaping and off-street parking for residents”.

It adds: “As part of retaining the building character, the front door and the historic winding staircase to provide access to the upper apartments would be maintained.

“Re-use of the locally listed building would maintain the long-term sustainable use and preserve the architectural and historical significance. “Public benefits include utilising a locally listed building for much-needed housing and replacing a use that generous potential traffic and parking on-street.”

It adds that “high quality materials will be used that would be in keeping with the existing property” with access into the property maintained via the entrance on Chapel Street and side access off Hanbury Hill for cycle storage and flats one, two and seven.

The statement adds: “A change of use to residential flats would be an alternative viable use.”