PROPOSALS that could see an extension to a Grade I listed church erected near Bude has been submitted to Cornwall Council’s planners.

St Marwenne Church has asked for approval to build an extension that will incorporate toilet and kitchen facilities, which it says are essential for members of its congregation, particularly the young and elderly.

Documents submitted as part of the application appear to suggest that the extension, which would take the place of a boiler room on the site will be of a timber clad construction.

The lean-to boiler room which would be demolished is of a 20th century construction which is built to the west of the vestry.

It is described as being a relatively inaccessible portion of the building.

The planning agent on behalf of the church told Cornwall Council’s planning department: “St. Marwenne is the Grade 1 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 church services, weddings and funerals.

“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 above 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.

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) ( )

“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.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The full proposals can be found using reference PA26/04332 on the Cornwall Council planning portal.