How empty York church could be transformed as plans backed

An impression showing how Vavavoom Bridal Boutique in Dunnginton could look (Image: Vavavoom Bridal Boutique)

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A YORK church is set for a new lease of life following the approval of plans.

An application to convert Dunnington Methodist Church into a wedding and prom shop has been approved by City of York Council.

Plans from Vavavoom Bridal Boutique Ltd stated the changes would preserve the character and appearance of the building which closed as a church during the coronavirus pandemic.

Council planning officers stated the benefits of bringing a vacant building back into use outweighed the loss of a community facility which has ceased operating.

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The plans are set to see signs featuring the Cleethorpes-based Vavavoom Bridal Boutique's branding fitted on the outside of the building.

The building, in Common Road, has been closed for at least five years and it was put on the market last May.

Display areas, fitting rooms and customer service spaces will be created inside the building but alterations would otherwise be minimal, according to the application.

It would open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday, and employ one full-time and two part-time members of staff.

Visits to the shop would be by appointment only which the applicants said would result in a modest level of visitor activity.

Dunnington Methodist Church (Image: Vavavoom Bridal Boutique)

Plans stated the conversion would not result in any significant external alterations and the inside of the building was suited to its use as a shop.

The application stated: “The proposal represents the sustainable reuse of an existing building, preserving the character and appearance of the site and its surroundings while maintaining a positive contribution to the local area through the continued occupation and active use of the premises.”

Council planning officers stated the conversion would allow the historic church and its architectural features to be preserved.

Officers stated: “It has been demonstrated that there is no reasonable prospect of the use of the building as a community facility being retained.

“The facilities no longer serve a community function and are surplus to requirements.”