Church pressing on with disabled access planning application

PLANS to provide an access ramp for disabled people at St James’s Church, Latchford, Warrington have NOT been withdrawn.

The proposals at the Grade 2 Listed church are still under consideration by borough council planners and it is hoped a decision will be reached next month.

But an application for Listed Building Consent (LBC) for the work to be carried out HAS been withdrawn – because it was not necessary in the first place.
Confusion arose because the council requested an application for Listed Building Consent and one was submitted, despite the church being exempt from LBC regulations because it comes under the Chester Diocese’s “Faculty Jurisdiction System” – which applies to ecclesiastical buildings which are Listed.
St James’s Church was built between 1829 and 1830.

The proposed new access ramp has been designed to enhance and improve access and the overall image of the building, using Red Ashlar Sandstone to match the church stonework.
Overall, the applicants consider the proposals will have a positive impact on the church’s heritage value.