PLANS to replace a Northwich church building could be changed after a contractor went into liquidation and construction costs soared.

Cheshire West and Chester planning chiefs gave permission in 2020 for the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Old Hall Road in Leftwich to be knocked down and for a new and improved structure to be built in its place.

The construction of a new community space and café was also due to be part of the project in order to ‘significantly open up the opportunities for the community’.

A steel frame for the new structure has since been erected but the contractor responsible has gone into liquidation and the church has had to appoint a replacement - Mayway Construction - to finish the work.

Now an application has been made to the council to vary some conditions of the original permission.

A letter submitted in support, said:  “Since the previous permission was granted, material, labour and all costs associated with the works have escalated.

Northwich Guardian: Progress on the new building as of April 2022 (Google)Progress on the new building as of April 2022 (Google)

"In addition, the new architect has identified elements of the permitted scheme which would not comply with building regulations and the church have agreed other minor amendments to improve the usability if the site.”

Some of the proposed changes include:

  • Removal of footpath from car park to Old Hall Road
  • Creation of new access to the church from the car park
  • Loss of one car parking space and designation of three new disabled spaces
  • Repositioning of main entrance door

The letter says the previous footprint and height of the approved new church would remain the same.

The planning statement submitted in support of the original approved plans, said: “Due to the poor layout, outdated construction standards and poor design aesthetics of the building, the church leadership decided to explore replacing the church with a new building and community facility.

“Over the last four decades, the church has built many close links within the community but would like to foster closer relationships and be of greater help to local people.

“The new building would significantly open up the opportunities for the community, helping to build social cohesion as well as social, physical, cultural, environmental and spiritual well-being in an under-served area.”