Plans Lodged For Works Scheme At Nearly 200-Year-Old Church

A nearly 200-year-old Isle of Wight church could get an upgrade and ‘more welcoming’ entrance, significantly improving ‘accessibility, comfort and energy efficiency’.

Reverend Stephen Daughtery has put forward plans to County Hall for alterations to the existing entrance porch, the installation of glazed double doors, an improved entrance porch floor and heating and lighting at Bembridge’s Holy Trinity Church.

The application would preserve the character of the church by ‘integrating modern materials in a respectful manner’, Rev Daughtery’s agent, Stickland Wright, has said.

The Grade II listed building within the Bembridge Conservation Area dates to around 1845-6, according to Historic England.

A Heritage and Design Statement from Stickland Wright says:

“The design preserves the character of the historic structure while significantly improving accessibility, comfort, and energy efficiency.

“The carefully considered upgrades will provide a more welcoming and functional entrance without compromising the integrity of the existing architecture.

“The proposed draught lobby and accessible ramp are intended as a clear public benefit, which we believe will outweigh the less than substantial harm to the building and conservation area setting.”

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 25/00652/FUL closes on June 16 and a decision has been scheduled for July 4.