PROPOSALS for the construction of an extension to a Grade I listed church has been withdrawn and resubmitted after an error in the proposals.

It came after advice from Historic England informed those in charge of the Church of St Marwenne in Marhamchurch that they were required to obtain ‘ecclesiastical exemption’ for part of the proposals that would see the installation of kitchen and toilet facilities.

Historic England told the applicant: “The Ecclesiastical Exemption exempts Church of England churches from some parts of the Planning Act, including Listed Building Consent. Therefore, to gain permission for these works, a faculty is required.

“We recommend that this application is withdrawn, and permission sought through the faculty system. It is for your authority to determine if planning permission is required for these proposals.”

In both the original and the amended plans, the planning agent on behalf of the church told Cornwall Council’s planning department: “St. Marwenne is the Grade I listed parish church located in the centre of the village of Marhamchurch. Regular services are held, and it is part of the Coast and County Benefice.

“At present there are no toilet facilities within the church or its grounds and the public toilets in the village shop are increasingly found closed during the times of the services, weddings and funerals.

A drawing showing the proposed extension, which appears to be a timber-clad material (Picture: Cornwall Council)
A drawing showing the proposed extension, which appears to be a timber-clad material (Picture: Cornwall Council) ( )

“This lack of toilet facilities is especially restricting the use for children centred activities such as ‘messy church’ functions. Similarly, it causes problems during weddings and christenings when young persons are often present.

“Elderly members of the parish, and visitors have also expressed concern over the lack of facilities. Many have said they will not attend services due to the worry of needing to use a bathroom.

“As mentioned, the public toilet in the village is often unavailable, and when open it is difficult to visit for persons of restricted mobility due to the distance and need to cross a road.

“In common with other parishes, coffee and refreshments provide important social interaction after services and especially during functions such as flower festivals, meetings and community events. Again, there are only minimal facilities for this within the existing church fabric.

“The existing heating boilers are located in a lean-to 20c building to the west of the vestry. It is accessed externally down steps to a lower half level. This causes difficulties in access during inclement weather and constitutes extra security/health and safety issues. There is a general shortage of storage space within the main church, causing issues with cleaning, tidiness and general appearance.

“The proposal is for a new extension, largely on the footprint of the existing boiler house, which will accommodate a new toilet complying with current Building Regulation access requirements, and a new kitchenette and boiler room with associated storage, all at the same floor level as the nave and aisles.

“This proposal enables the church to conform to current accessibility requirements as well as providing much needed associated facilities for all users and visitors.”

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The proposals can be found using PA26/05643 on the Cornwall Council planning portal.