A 1930s church could be turned into residential apartments in new plans submitted to BCP Council.

Pure Town Planning detailed in a Design and Access Statement, on behalf of the Bournemouth Gospel Hall Trust, that developers are looking to transform the interior of a Moordown church as well as build one detached house.

The planned apartments in Gospel Hall on Hillcrest Close, would be a mix of one bed and studio flats.

Developers propose that only minimal changes would be made to the exterior, consisting of four conservation style rooflights on each roof slope.

Ground floor adjustments would make use of existing doorways and windows so that no alterations are necessary.

The additional house would be ‘sensitively designed to reflect the character of the hall’, through a matching roof slope and a feature round-arched brick window.

Existing access and parking area would stay the same, supplying the site with six parking spaces, one for each apartment.

The application acknowledged the limited number of street parking in the area, and also plans for cycle stores.

It stated that the site is in easy walking distance to local shops and has good connection with public transport. 

Developers say the proposal would enhance the landscape of the hall by replacing grasscrete with grass, installing additional planting, and retaining the existing maple tree.

The church is currently being used as reading rooms by a small private community, Plymouth Brethren.

However, the group are moving to a new premises at West Parley and proposed premises at Ashley Heath to be closer to members’ homes.

Alternative facilities are also available locally with both Moordown Baptist Church and Holy Epiphany C of E Church in walking distance from the site.

The current church dates from 1930 but was heavily altered in 2008.

Developers said in a Design and Access Statement to BCP Council: “The benefits of the proposal include the better use of this previously developed land in a highly accessible location; creating much needed high quality housing; and creating a positive addition to the streetscene.”

The application was lodged on March 11 and a public consultation is yet to open.