Church hall to become homes in Eastleigh

Tuesday, 31 December 2024 06:00

By Natalia Forero, Local Democracy Reporter @V2RadioSussex

BURSLEDON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Image: (C) Google Maps

An ‘eyesore’ church hall in Bursledon will be converted into three homes as planning permission is finally granted.

According to neighbours, the Methodist Church Hall on School Road in Bursledon was the focus of vandalism in the area.

Bursledon Congregational Church submitted a planning application for the change of use of the Methodist Church Hall into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with parking and a garage two years ago.

However, Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) refused the application because there was not enough evidence that the homes wouldn’t be affected by flooding, insufficient parking spaces, and the impact on bats.

Following the congregation’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, which did not consider the concerns regarding flooding and bats in its refusal, the decision was ultimately upheld.

Following the submission of a new application in August, the borough council has now granted the congregation the go-ahead to redevelop the building.
However, 20 conditions have been set to be met before, during, and after the construction of the three homes is completed.

The borough council emphasised that the materials selected to construct the external surfaces must align “in type, colour, and texture” with those of the existing building. Additionally, the proposal should incorporate conservation roof lights.

This is to ensure a “satisfactory” visual appearance in the area.

Another condition stated that work on the site must not begin until a precautionary working method for hedgehogs is submitted and approved in writing to ensure their protection.

Additionally, the site must not be occupied until the bin, cycle storage, and parking spaces are provided.

During the public consultation, neighbour Dr David Gorrods said that the “fine old” building, part of the Bursledon’s heritage, has become a “complete eyesore for years”.

He added that the application was a “golden” opportunity to restore the building.

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