A CHURCH that dates back to 1870 could be converted into housing if new plans are approved.

Clayton Heights Methodist Church shut in 2020, and has been vacant since then.

Now a new planning application has been submitted to Bradford Council seeking permission to turn the Chapel Lane building into three houses.

Applicant J Grimbaldeston said that the building “may well remain derelict” if a new use is not found soon.

The church had been an important part of the Clayton Heights community for almost 150 years.

130-year-old church plans new building in deprived area of Bradford city centre

In 2010 it underwent a £125,000 refurbishment, partly funded by Bradford Council.

It was closed by the Bradford South Methodist Circuit in 2020.

Many of the features, including the church organ and Sunday School benches, remain in the building.

The new plans would see three, two-bed homes created in the building.

The application says: “The proposal is to sensitively convert the building, be respectful of its heritage yet give the derelict building a new life.

“It is felt that this is the most sustainable way to use a building with some historic value that may very well remain derelict, whilst addressing, in a small but responsible way, a shortage of housing in the area.”

A decision on the application is expected next month.