Locals left devastated after council agrees to convert church into new homes
A local council has granted permission for a village Church to be transformed into two residential properties, leaving residents devastated.
Snettisham Methodist Church, situated close to Hunstanton, in Norfolk, ceased operating as a place of worship in December 2023 following a substantial drop in attendance.
Six villagers lodged formal objections through West Norfolk Council's planning system, expressing dismay at the loss of what they considered an important community resource.
Despite these protests, councillors determined the conversion could proceed, though developers must commence construction within a three-year timeframe.
The decision has divided opinion in the Norfolk village, with some residents welcoming the prospect of preserving the building whilst others lament the disappearance of another religious venue from the local landscape.
Those opposing the development expressed strong feelings about the potential loss of the chapel.
One resident wrote on the council's planning portal: "So many churches are closing and this is such a lovely chapel, it's a real shame that it is being changed to residential.
"It would certainly benefit the community more if it remains a church that the community can tap into."
Another objector argued the building constituted "a valuable and viable community facility whose loss would be contrary to national and local planning policy."
A third opponent told the Eastern Daily Press: "I would much prefer the building be kept as a church, used by the community than it to be converted into houses."
Several critics noted that another religious organisation had expressed willingness to purchase the Lynn Road property.
Others raised worries about increased traffic congestion in the area.
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Two residents submitted comments in support of the scheme.
One suggested the conversion would enhance the village's character whilst ensuring the building remains properly maintained.
The planning officer's report justified the approval by highlighting "the significant decline in congregation numbers" that had rendered the church unviable as a religious venue.
Officials also pointed to existing community spaces within easy reach, noting the Memorial Hall stands just 200 metres from the site.
According to the assessment, transforming the empty building into housing would serve dual purposes.
It would return a currently unused structure to productive use whilst delivering new homes in a location deemed sustainable for residential development.
The council attached conditions to its approval.
They stipulated that construction work must begin within three years of the decision being granted.
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