Revamp planned for Grade II church hall

Repairs proposed for a Grade II listed converted church in Appledore could see its impressive hall brought back into use as part of a home and space for community events.

Originally a Methodist church, Richmond Hall, which is on the main road into the village, was which was converted nine years ago but is now deteriorating. 

Applicant Simon Brown wants to “secure its longevity” and return many of the features of the nineteenth century building to their former glory.

Mr Brown intends to continue to use the property as a dwelling but says he would like the opportunity to open up the hall for community use every once in a while for events such as the Appledore Book Festival.

Currently the hall space is not habitable due to concerns of safety over the “considerable presence of mould” said planning agents Jonathan Rhind Architects.

In planning documents for Torridge District Council, the agents say the hall has been patch-repaired to a very poor standard in some areas including the joinery of the gallery and decorative cornices.

The space had been difficult to organise as part of a home because of the location of pieces of church furniture, including fixed pews and an organ and, as a result, had been somewhat neglected by previous owners, they said.

The lavatory could only be entered through another part of the house and so didn’t serve the hall well for events.

Proposals included removing the organ to reveal architectural features, re-arranging the pews and making a new direct opening between the toilets and hall.

Poorly performing electric heaters would be replaced with cast iron ones, repairs made to joinery and railings, windows and doors and secondary glazing added.

The workshop space would be opened up to reveal the grandeur of the hall.

By repairing the gates and entrance doors, they hope to reinstate the main entrance to the north of the hall, without the need for guests to enter through the rest of the house.

The reading stand is to be used as a servery for tea and coffee during gatherings.

The condition of the building could be vastly improved through considerate repair work combined with a robust heating system and discreet passive ventilation, said the agents.

“By making the hall more adaptable to suit its approved use as a dwelling, the deterioration of the space can be stopped, the damage repaired, and the building’s longevity secured. As a result, these changes are considered to have a positive impact.”

Torridge District Council will consider the application at a later date. 

The public has until Sunday 15 September to comment on the proposals.