Former Huddersfield church could soon become new home
Cowcliffe Methodist Church is set to get a new lease on life
A Huddersfield church that had to close after falling on hard times could soon be transformed into a four-bedroom home
Cowcliffe Methodist Church at the junction of South Cross Road and Brayside Avenue was closed down due to dwindling congregation numbers. As well as its services, the church offered parent and toddler classes and groups for older people, but according to application documents support was not sufficient to sustain the running of the building.
As a result , the building was put on the open market as a result, though no parties wishing to give the former church a new community use are said to have shown interest. Ultimately, it was sold to the current applicant who wishes to transform it into a four-bedroom home.
Under the plans submitted to Kirklees Council, the main floor of the property would become a house, with storage on the lower ground floor. The two main halls would be subdivided to create four bedrooms with a large living/kitchen/dining area, and ancillary accommodation in a small flat roof section.
As for the exterior, the plans say there would be “limited” changes, though one new window would be formed and four existing windows would be adapted to create ‘Juliet’ balconies to increase natural light and make the most of the surrounding views.
A supporting document concludes: “Unfortunately the building use was no longer sustainable. Visitors had dwindled and the building had become too costly to run, hence the closure.
“The proposals will repurpose the building without major changes to the external appearance. This will ultimately add a house to the stock in the area, and provide an energy efficient home.”
A decision is due from the council on November 26, 2024.