Work has begun to transform a former church building in Netherfield into 13 one-bedroomed apartments.
Developers are working to convert the empty Netherfield Methodist Church on Victoria Road into Supported Living accommodation with accompanying internal and external communal spaces, a secure bin store, cycle store and parking spaces.
The adjoining church hall up until recently housed the Loco Centre, which has now moved to the former doctor’s surgery on Forester Street.
Planning documents submitted with the application stated: “The existing property was unaffordable for the previous owners due to high maintenance costs.
“Despite a long marketing period by local estate agents, there was no demand from potential buyers to buy and maintain as a church or community centre due to the cost to maintain, and upgrade.”
They go on to state: “The proposals will provide much-needed dwelling units for local residents, requiring and waiting for Supported Living accommodation. The development will not adversely affect residential amenity either for the proposed residents or in the local neighbourhood, are in keeping with the local area, and will not create any highway or parking issues.”
The transformation of the building will require a new floor which will be inserted in the former Church and Church Hall. There will be no structural changes to the existing windows, though new glazing will be inserted to meet modern thermal and residential standards.
but who for
Disgusting as there is an elderly people complex around the corner. They’ll only go & harass them.
Or, with help and support, become valued members of the local community and society in general?
It will be unemployed people as the owners know that THE TAX PAYERS in the long run ,would be paying.