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.
Preserving the character of the 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 1845-46, 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.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (25/00652/FUL).
County Hall’s public consultation on proposal closes on 16th June and a decision is due by 4th July 2025.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
