Plans have gone in to turn a village church near York into a specialist shop
The former Dunnington Methodist Church, on Common Road, Dunnington, could soon be brought back to life under new proposals submitted to City of York Council.
The building has stood empty for several years, having closed its doors during the Covid pandemic.
The congregation then merged with St Nicholas Church just 350 yards away on Church Street, leaving the building empty.
Now Spencer Plumridge has applied to change the use of the building from a place of worship into a retail space.
It would become the Vavavoom Bridal Boutique, an appointment-only bridal wear and prom dress store.
Planning documents state that the building was marketed from May without restrictions on its use.
“Despite this, no offers were received from community organisations, charities or religious bodies wishing to retain the building in community use.
“The absence of a purchaser seeking to retain the existing use demonstrates the limited demand for the building as a community facility.”
New signs would be added to the chapel under the plans.
“Signage above the doors will consist of a reversable wooden inlay, hand painted using traditional sign writers,” documents state.
“This method has been chosen to compliment the building’s existing architecture and have minimal impact.”
Inside, the open-plan chapel layout will be adapted to feature display areas, fitting rooms, and customer service spaces.
Because the business operates strictly by appointment, the developers say it will create a modest level of visitor activity that fits in naturally with the surrounding village area.
The application adds: “Bringing the building back into active use will ensure it continues to be maintained and cared for, reducing the risk of deterioration associated with prolonged vacancy.”
You can read and comment on the full planning application here.