A DECISION on the long-awaited development of a historic town centre building in Kington has been delayed for another month.

Northern area planning committee members deferred JR Homes’ proposal to turn the Wesleyan Chapel on High Street into nine one-bedroom flats so they could visit the site in person.

A meeting last week heard various objections from residents and the town council about access to property through a narrow alleyway.

Town clerk Gwilym Rippon said JR Homes was to be congratulated on trying to save such a historic building but said designs for nine “crammed” properties with a lack of parking were “unsuitable and totally inadequate”.

Cressida Ford, who lives nearby in Harpyard, made similar points when she addressed members and also said a “monolithic” stairway built on to the side of the building would block out light in the yard and cause a “significantly negative impact” on householders there.

Both also expressed disappointment there was no public consultation process, but it was pointed out that letters addressing concerns from the town council and local residents had been circulated via planning officers.

Matthew Hard, of JR Homes, told members the firm had spent two years discussing the design with planning officers and had prepared the application with great care.

Local member Terry James proposed the site visit and said he had very serious concerns about the development, especially as it was one of the most important, historic buildings in Kington.