Sidmouth's Kingdom Hall could be converted into a house

The proposal is for the conversion of the disused Kingdom Hall building on Mill Street, Sidmouth to become one three-bedroom home.

The building readily converts to a spacious dwelling with open plan ground floor and three bedrooms on the first floor.

The external area is currently tarmac, and it is proposed to excavate some areas to allow planting of flower beds.  

The tarmac will be softened visually by covering it with gravel and steppingstones to create a courtyard garden.

The poorly constructed extension to the south-east elevation will be demolished and the area screened off with close boarded fence/gates and a slate roof and used for bin storage and bike storage 

The conversion will be very sympathetic with the existing building. The slate roof will be renewed, cast iron look upvc rainwater goods will be used, the red brick walls repointed as required.

There will be two porches constructed comprising chamfered timber posts and pitched slate roofs in keeping with the overall Victorian style 

The former religious assembly building is quite dilapidated in places, but the application’s design and access said that: 'a structural engineer’s report confirms that it is sound enough to convert to a residential unit. The report forms part of the application.' 

Tim Whipps Central Planning Team said: “In my opinion, as the site is located within the built-up area boundary of Sidmouth and due to the close location to the town centre, the conversion of the building is likely to be supported given our current lack of a five year land supply.”  

The application’s design and access statement said: “On balance the proposed development is considered to be positive.” 

The application has been submitted by owner of the Kingdom Hall, Sidmouth resident Richard Charles Bartram.

The application has been submitted to East Devon District Council and will be approved or refused by officers.

Read the full planning application on the EDDC website 23/1158/FUL