PLANS to demolish a church with “historical and religious importance” and replace it with a new community centre have been revealed.
The scheme would see the vacant Methodist chapel in Allerton flattened, and the site – on Greenbank Road, redeveloped.
A new build community centre would offer church services, and a development of sheltered housing for the over 55s would be built on another part of the site.
And a “tranquil” remembrance garden would be created for the 11 war graves on the church site.
The planning application for the site’s redevelopment has been submitted to Bradford Council by the Trustees of Allerton Methodist Church.
A Methodist chapel has been based on the site since the 1830s. The application says the existing stone church is reaching the end of its life, describing the chapel as “dilapidated” and suffering from dry rot.
It says the new centre would be used for church worship for up to 80 people, activities for young people, a community café and food bank collection point.
130-year-old church plans new building in deprived area of Bradford city centre
It would also have: “Facilities which will provide activities to promote friendship, community and hospitality for the older community.”
The trustees have said the plans were developed after a number of consultations with the Allerton community.
The application adds: “Allerton Methodist Church has held a significant historical and religious importance to the Allerton community since the first Methodist Chapel was erected on site in 1833.
“The current building has fallen into disrepair, is not fit for purpose and unviable.
“There are no other community halls in the immediate area which covers the lower area of Allerton and from consultations is has been shown there is a strong desire to maintain the community facility on the same site but to create a modern facility which can cater for the increasing population and modern requirements.
“The new community hall will provide a safe building which is fit for purpose and will provide sufficient space to provide for the growing population and community requirements. The aim is to provide a facility which is welcoming for all.”
Eight sheltered housing flats for over 55s would be built on the site, with the application saying these flats would be affordable.
One would be used by an on-site caretaker.
It adds: “As the development will be phased, the money sourced from renting out the flats will financially support the funding of the community hall.”
A decision on the application is expected in December.
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