An old church….
The old Holy Trinity Church, opposite the school, built around 1852 has been used as an office since 1988. We reported in July 2017 that Old Trinity Church (to use its correct modern name) was up for let or sale. A few years back there was an open day, which we attended. The interior was impressive, retaining the majority of internal features.
A planning application has just gone in for a business use we could not have guessed at!
… with plans for a new use!
*OUR USUAL CAVEAT* this article is based only on the facts of a planning application received by WDC. Plans can be approved or not, and even if approved – the business may still not proceed for other reasons!
The plans are for conversion to a “luxury hairdressers“. It is clear this really is aiming at upmarket, top-end luxury, with a spacious and open feel – there would even be a coffee bar.
The full plan is for hairdressing over 2 floors, although it could be that the Ground Floor is completed first, allowing the business to operate whilst works continue on the First Floor
Plans to deal with the lack of on-site parking include reimbursement of parking charges from Dean St car park, and there would also be bike racks installed.
The plans don’t involve any changes to the exterior – we assume that’s out of the question anyway due to the Grade II listed status – aside from some signs at the entrances to the churchyard on Trinity Road and Wethered Road.
The proposals make a point of saying this change of use would improve access to the building, i.e. more locals able to get inside – assuming you want a haircut from them I suppose!
Who is behind the plans?
The company that we understand is behind the plans has 4 other existing hairdressers – and their first one was in an old chapel. Hence the company name … “The Chapel” (www.thechapel.co.uk). This would also explain the particular interest in the old church.
Another of their hairdressers is in the swanky ski resort of Verbier, Switzerland – underlying the luxury nature of their offering. They describe themselves as “Multi Award winning Hair Salons, where you are treated as a guest not just another customer.”
We will, as ever, keep you posted of developments……