Old Heath Congregational Church demolition bid rejected

Colchester Council has rejected a bid to demolish the disused Old Heath Congregational Church to make way for two houses.

The church was built more than 150 years ago but it has been empty for about a decade.

Planning bosses said they’d seen no evidence to suggest the building is beyond economic repair and that the freehold has been marketed to potential investors who may retain the building.

Historic - the back of the church (Image: Auction House East Anglia)

The decision notice says knocking the building down “is unacceptable and contrary to policy”.

'Relieved'

Colchester Civic Society has long hoped the building in Fingringhoe Road, Colchester, could be saved.

The society’s officer for planning, Bob Mercer, is “relieved” the latest bid has been refused but is not opposed to the original building being converted into housing.

He said: “It could be restored and made into a home and there were people in Colchester who were very much keen to do that before Covid struck. They spoke to me a couple of times and were very keen.”

Pleased - Bob Mercer from Colchester Civic Society

Mr Mercer added the church, which is known locally as the “tin tabernacle” because of its metal construction, is one of only a few of its kind in the UK.

“It’s unique in Colchester now,” he said. “The number of them nationwide is ever decreasing because they were only ever made to be temporary but lasted way beyond their expected lifespan.

“They’re particularly interesting. I’d have loved to have been able to see inside it.

“We’ll just have to see now what the applicant chooses to do. I would hate to think it’s the end of the line because I think it can be saved and it could be saved.”

Several attempts have been made to demolish the church and replace it with a more cost-effective building.

Colchester Council refused plans for a bigger church to be built in its place in 2015 because the new building would’ve been “inferior in design”.

An inspector ruled in the authority’s favour after church leaders appealed the decision.