Methodist chapel given community asset status amid sell-off fears

A Methodist chapel has been registered as a community asset amid concerns it could be sold off.

North Yorkshire Council has agreed to add Hensall Methodist Chapel, in Main Street, to its list of community assets

Hensall Parish Council applied for the premises to be given the designation, saying it was no longer used for worship due to low numbers and could be disposed of by the Methodist circuit.

It added in its application: “At the moment we have our monthly parish council meetings in the building.

“It is also used for playgroups, coffee mornings, yoga, singing for pleasure, over 60’s club, Macmillan coffee morning etc.

“Apart from our cricket club there is nowhere else in the village to hold these kind of community events and for us to lose this building will be a major loss to the residents of our lovely village.

“We have recently lost our village post office and our village pub. We are really passionate about doing everything we can to hold on to this asset.”

The parish council said was setting up a separate group to look into funding with a view to purchasing the building if/when it came up for sale.

The counci’s register of community assets recognises buildings and land that play, or have recently played, an important role in the social well-being or social interests of a local community.

In an assessment report prepared for the council, officers concluded there was sufficient evidence to support the nomination, finding that the chapel satisfies the legal test required under the legislation.

A council report concluded that the chapel met the criteria for inclusion on the list, which includes of community use.

It said: “The evidence demonstrates that the chapel serves the local community of Hensall as well as surrounding rural areas.

“It is well used and strongly supported by local residents, the parish council, and local clubs and community groups, with clear interest in maintaining its use.

“Testimony shows it is an important space for social interaction, support, and integration into village life.”

Asset of community value status does not prevent a property from being sold or developed, but it does provide communities with additional opportunities if the owner later decides to dispose of it.

If the owner intends to sell the building, the council must be notified and community groups are given time to express an interest in bidding for the asset before it can be sold on the open market.