PLANS LODGED TO TRANSFORM CHURCH IN SHORWELL INTO FAMILY HOME

A disused Victorian church in the village of Shorwell could become a family home under new plans. Shorwell Methodist Church, on Sandy Way, closed in March 2020 due to a dwindling congregation and has been unused since. The Victorian church building could now become a four-bedroom house, under plans lodged by the Methodist Church Isle of Wight Circuit. As part of the plans, a new dividing floor and staircase could be added to make a first floor although the front half of the original chapel could keep its full height. The building has been modernised and redecorated recently but fixtures and fittings are gradually being disposed of for use elsewhere including the organ and pulpit. It was originally built in 1860 and enlarged in the 1880s to provide the Sunday School. Planning documents say the proposals are for a sensitive and sympathetic conversion to ensure the original purpose of the building remains clearly evident as well as being preserved and enhanced. The oval stone dating plaque will be retained to ensure the building’s history as a Wesleyan Chapel is not forgotten. You can view the plans, 23/01791/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 24th November. The congregation at Shorwell has since merged with Brighstone.