Former Morecambe church could be turned into high quality housing

The ambitious plans for 19 high-end apartments for to be developed at the former Christ Church (United Reformed) in Broadway, Morecambe, have been submitted to Lancaster City Council by Turner Lambert (Morecambe) Ltd.

Planning documents say the site would provide 19 new homes, with the development providing "a good variety of accommodation types to meet the local housing needs" and "a portion of the dwellings created specifically for the ageing population".

Car parking would be available for 19 vehicles.

The application says: "Turner Lambert Developments was a business derived from the directors recognising the need to regenerate and re-purpose existing vacant buildings, in order to create high quality living environments.

"This collaboration occurred through a passion for fresh thinking and the desire to create better living environments for all.

"The shared vision has led to the transformation of various properties and sites around the UK.

"The schemes provided by Turner Lambert aim to increase the lifestyle choices available to existing and new Morecambe residents, meeting a need for, stable, secure and well planned accommodation.

"It is anticipated that this proposed scheme will offer the opportunity for people who up to now have been struggling to find appropriate accommodation for their needs."

The existing building was built in two phases, with the main church building being constructed in 1955 and the adjoining halls being a later addition in 1958. -

The building had previously been used for a number of uses, but the primary function was as a place of worship.

The proposal is for the creation of 19 new homes. The main church hall would have new floors added to it to make use of the existing tall structure, and these new properties would be primarily single storey apartments, all with lift access.

The lower level ancillary buildings would be used to create single level bungalow style dwellings as well as 2.5 storey townhouses.

Plans include a single storey extension as well as terraces and balconies for the properties.

An existing memorial garden at the site would remain as part of the agreement to buy the church from the Synod, with community access granted to it indefinitely.

Some residents have objected to the proposals, citing existing traffic concerns with nearby Morecambe Bay Academy being made worse, as well as privacy concerns.