Plans to build flats at Gospel Tabernacle Church site in Highbridge

The church was knocked down in 2016 after it fell into a state of disrepair, despite opposition from town councillors and community members.

One councillor, John Parkes, described the church as a “rich cultural hotspot for Highbridge” and a “beloved building”. 

Town councillors also raised concerns about a lack of future plans for the site at a planning committee meeting before the demolition work was carried out.

Now, Burnham Waste Ltd has submitted plans to build two residential flats at the site, which has lain vacant since the church was demolished.

The two-storey block would come with off-street parking for four vehicles and storage areas for bicycles and bins.

The former Gospel Tabernacle Church.  

A design and access statement says: “The building had not been used in over 10 years when permission was granted in 2016 to demolish after the building became unsafe.

“Newtown Road is adjacent to Ladd Close and Tyler Way – both areas that have seen recent developments.

“The proposed property would property would provide two two-bedroom flats in line with the national housing standards, with off-street parking for four vehicles and including cycle storage at the rear of the property.

“The appearance of the building to stay in keeping with the location and with the use of render and some brick.

“The access to the property would be from Newtown Road. However, two parking spaces would be accessed from King Street.”

The former church is believed to have originally been built as a Seaman’s Mission before it became the Plymouth Brethren Gospel Hall.

It closed in the early 1950s but reopened in 1973, remaining in use until the opening of the ‘new’ Gospel Tabernacle Evangelical Church on Easter Sunday in 1998.

Somerset Council is welcoming comments on the application (number 11/23/00064) until Tuesday, September 19.