A revised plans for the 'spectacular' conversion of a derelict chapel into luxury apartments has secured the support of highways chiefs.
The former Engedi Welsh Calvinistic Methodist site in Colwyn Bay has lain empty for 20 years but was bought in 2020 by Manchester developer Gothic & Stone.
They submitted £3m plans to develop the site into 19 units but planners at Conwy council rejected the proposal due to a lack of off-street parking with the development on Woodland Road West.
But the developer submitted a revised scheme in November.
This was for a reduced eight apartment project, each with two bedrooms.
There is no parking with the scheme but highways this week said there were no objections to the new proposal on the condition of a 106 agreement for £26,000 for active travel improvements.
They also stipulated parking for bikes to encourage people to use other forms of transport.
This is expected to meet the concerns of planners and allow the development to get the green light.
A spokesman said hoped to start to move forward with some of the demolition of the 1970s extension at the rear in mid-March. This will make way for a communal garden space for residents.
They hope that if approved in the next few weeks that they can complete the scheme by September 2021.
Site history
The Engedi Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapel, on Woodland Road West in Colwyn Bay, first opened its doors to worshipers in 1879.
The Methodist church closed in 1987 and the building was then used as a place of worship by the Elim Pentecostal Church in the 1990s before falling into disuse around the turn of the millennium.
The deal to acquire the property was completed in mid-March.
Ross Wellman, partner in the property department at Glaisyers, who helped complete the deal, said:"Trinity will be a spectacular addition to Colwyn Bay when the scheme is completed, contributing to the resort’s ongoing regeneration, and I am really pleased we have been able to be involved."
Gothic & Stone is a venture established by the Aberystwyth-born, Manchester-based property developer Alexander Taylor. Mr Taylor is also involved in a number of residential developments around the North West of England.
He previously said: “Significant amounts of money have been invested in the seafront and Colwyn Bay is now a really bustling town, or rather it will be again when we come out of lockdown.”
He also hailed the skills available in the area, saying Gothic and Stone has been able to secure local stone masons and stained-glass restorers to work on the project.
“You just wouldn’t find the same artisan skills in a big city,” he said.
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