THE plan to bring a disused church in a Herefordshire town centre back into use has been revived.

It comes after a previous bid to turn the old Ledbury Methodist Church into a wine bar was refused.

But now the plans are back, but this time, the building could be turned into a restaurant as it would attract "fewer and less rowdy" customers than a wine bar.

Applicant Mike Etheridge Construction has applied to Herefordshire Council to turn the landmark building in the Homend into a restaurant with a managers' flat. He has also applied for a change of use for the building.

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Herefordshire Council’s planning committee refused the similar, previous bid for a wine bar plan in January 2021, citing the likely impact on neighbours in the partly residential area.

The developer appealed, but Government-appointed planning inspector Tamsin Law later backed the council’s refusal and dismissed the appeal.

Now, consultants have tried to address noise concers, saying in a design and access statement: "The applicant has carefully revaluated the proposals.

"To address the concerns raised with regards to the general comings and goings, the proposal is now for a restaurant use rather than as a wine bar with food facility.

"As such, the frequency and nature of visitors would likely be fewer and less rowdy."

Plans showed the internal bar areas have been removed from the scheme and it is now proposed that the premises would close by 10pm.

The proposed use of the premises would be entirely contained within the building and no outdoor space would be provided, not even a smoking area.

Consultants said the building is detached, which reduces the potential for noise transfer to the adjoining homes.

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But they said to further reduce any potential noise transfer, existing second floor windows on the south side would be fitted with new secondary glazing internally. These would be fixed shut during normal opening hours.

Fully addressing noise concerns, the plan also said plant, such as extractor fans, would only be operated when necessary and the use of outside bins would not be allowed during the evening period.

Clear signage would also be placed near the exit telling customers to respect the privacy and peace of neighbouring properties and, if required, they would be asked to not stand around talking loudly in the street outside.

A designated complaints handler will also be assigned, any complaints about noise would be logged and investigated, no food or drink will be allowed outside and there would only be low level, background music inside.

The Methodist chapel was put up for sale in 2018 as the building was no longer deemed fit for purpose as worshippers moved to Bye Street.

Until then, there had been a place of worship at the site since 1849.