A historic 175-year-old gothic church is set to be converted into a spectacular home.
Plans have been submitted for the transformation of Church of St John the Baptist in Shuttleworth, near Ramsbottom, into a single four-bed house.
The building occupies a raised position alongside Whalley Road, the A56 Bury to Rawtenstall route.
The church was originally designed by Cates between 1845 and 1848 as a school and for use as a space for occasional preaching.
However, on completion, it was altered and extended to the designs of EH Shellard to become a district church, with the addition of an east aisle and bell tower.
Stained-glass windows at the church are believed to be later additions.
The council has the building listed as ‘of special architectural or historic interest’ but St Johns is not a nationally listed building.
A heritage statement on behalf of the applicant, Dominic Apenteng, has been published by Bury Council.
It states: “It is our desire to renovate and rehabilitate this property, whilst preserving and protecting a building that has served as the hub of the community for many years.
“It has fallen into disrepair in recent times, but this gives a unique opportunity for restoration and the creation of a signature dwelling.
“To a greater extent, the superstructure of the building will remain as is.
“There will however be a programme of considered enhancements to facilitate use of the space as a three or four-bedroom dwelling.
“The majority of the existing interior design elements of the church are to be incorporated into the new scheme.
“The removal of some elements is necessitated by significant deterioration or by the presence of invasive dry rot.
“We have to weigh the needs of modern living against the impact on the heritage of the asset.
“Once complete this development will doubtless breath life back into St John to the benefit of the home-owner and the local community.”
