A MUCH loved Marhamchurch community building could be set for a program of works to restore it to its former glory.

The Bray Institute is a Grade II listed building that was originally built in 1903 with extensions to the building added during the 1960s, and is used as a village hall, community building and the base for a health practitioner.

It comes after the building suffered some degradation to its internal features, particularly the ceilings and the walls.

Because of this, part of the east wing of the building has been out of use due to recent ceiling collapses.

The cause of the collapse was described as being because: “It appears to be a combination the general age and degradation of the older lath and plaster ceilings, and recent roofing works having caused accelerated degradation. It appears that the plaster has largely lost its key with the laths, making the ceiling structure weaker”, according to a survey which accompanies the planning application.

Other issues include damp to an exterior wall, a number of slipped and broken slates on the roof and drainage.

The program of works will incorporate several projects which will see the installation of new plasterboard ceiling areas, the replacement and repair of cornices and corbels where necessary, a French drain to be installed around the external perimeter, a new lime-based plaster to walls where necessary and the replacement of lead chimney flashings.

The proposals were detailed in a planning application to Cornwall Council by the building’s owners.

They stated: “None of the proposed works affect the external appearance or the setting of the listed building. They are all required to ensure the continuing viability of the property and are therefore considered as having negligible effect under the standard assessment table but will improve, enhance and enable continued use of the listed building.”