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New plans to turn church into flats [South Wales Echo (UK)](South Wales Echo (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) FRESH plans to convert an historic South Wales church into an apartment complex look set to be approved by councillors. The scheme centres on the Grade II-listed Porthkerry Methodist church in Barry, which was built in 1897. A similar application was approved by councillors earlier this year but has not gone ahead due to "viability issues." The new application involves converting the church and school building into 11 flats, one more than was originally planned. Unlike the previous scheme, the new one keeps the school building for conversion into four two-bedroom flats. Some neighbours have objected to the scheme on the grounds that it would spoil the Grade IIlisted church and pose parking problems. The Vale council's planning committee is due to make a decision on the plan on Thursday. In his report to the committee, Rob Thomas, director of development services, said: "The buildings themselves are listed and although are not situated within a Conservation Area, they make a substantial and positive contribution to the visual amenities of the street scene. "When compared with the previous application, including the demolition of the school building and the erection of a substantial three-storey block in its stead, it is considered that the retention and conversion of the school to four dwellings is a marked improvement." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |