A FORMER Methodist church dating back to the 19th century is to be converted into assisted living apartments.

Burnley Council planners approved proposals to convert the former Claremont Street United Free Methodist Church, at the junction of Claremont Street and Tabor Street, Burnley, into 18 flats.

The building was last used as a base for Wright’s Upholstery, having not been used as a church since the 1960s.

Developers say the tenants will live largely independent lives but benefit from easy access to support.

Staff will regularly visit properties for the purposes of conducting property and maintenance inspections, to provide tenant advice and guidance and to attend emergency call outs.

A statement submitted as of the application reads: “The driver behind this scheme is to pay respect to the existing building, while breathing new life into it with contemporary finishes.

“The proposal is to create 18 new dwellings, whilst bringing life back to a building of historical importance.

“The existing buildings history deserves respect, therefore the thought process was to rejuvenate rather than rebuild.

“To use elements of modern housing design to ‘freshen up’ its appearance rather than redesign it.

“This will allow for the facade to retain its historical appearance with a contemporary uplift.”

Case officer Erika Eden-Porter said: “Though the building has been subject to a number of insensitive later alterations and additions during its period of industrial use, it is considered to retain sufficient heritage interest at a local level which is reflected in its status as a locally listed building.

“The nature of its significance lies principally in its architectural and historical interest as a late nineteenth century Methodist church and for its presence within the street-scene.

“While the exterior retains its character as a place of worship, the interior has lost most of this character owing to extensive alteration and insertion of floors, with the exception of the few original features which remain.

“These are chiefly the plasterwork of the chancel, a staircase and several memorial tablets. The modern garage/workshops at the rear of the church are of no interest and detract from its significance and character."