Plans to demolish a 155-year-old former chapel have been refused.
The former Wesleyan Chapel building in Seas End Road, Surfleet Seas End, is thought to have been built in 1869 and ceased to be a chapel in 1953.
Mrs J Pola applied to South Holland District Council for outline permission to demolish it and build a house extending into part of an agricultural field.
But planning officers rejected the plans last week highlighting the lack of information on the buildings history in the application.
It follows Lincolnshire County Councils Historic Places team objecting to the application.
“Methodist churches like this one have been central to their communities, serving as places of worship and fostering faith, fellowship, and belonging,” planning officer Catherine Sutton’s report says.
LCC stated. “This chapel’s significance goes beyond architecture; it reflects the important role of faith in shaping the community’s spiritual and social lives.
“The chapel holds value locally as a former place of worship and for its broader heritage significance.
“It appears on historical maps, highlighting its long-standing presence.
“Beyond worship, churches like this were community hubs, hosting important events, making them valuable heritage assets for future generations.”
The report concludes: “The complete demolition of the chapel would constitute substantial harm, which should be avoided unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated, which is not justified by this application.
“The proposed development seeks to deliver a new family home, which is a recognised benefit.
“However, this must be weighed against the total loss of a historic building that contributes to the area’s historic identity and sense of place. The former chapel serves as a local landmark, and its demolition would result in a net loss of heritage value for the community.”
