Village church conversion into office approved

A church building is to be transformed into an office space, despite fears over losing a valuable community asset.

The Methodist Church on Alma Road in Eton Wick, Berkshire, had been out of use since 2022.

Some argued the plans to convert the former place of worship could negatively affect the neighbourhood.

But proposals for the single-floor project were approved by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Council planning officer Tom Hughes recommended the conversion be refused on the grounds that it would see the permanent loss of a shared community space.

But councillor Devon Davies, who supported the plans, said Eton Wick already had other community facilities including a gallery, a museum, a library and a public hall.

Ultimately the authority agreed that turning the church into an office would be appropriate.

Councillor Julian Tisi said: “Eton Wick is a very tightly-knit community, and I haven’t heard any opposition at all.”

An estate agent's advert for the 1,534 sq ft (143 sq m) property showed the church hall, kitchen and seating area.

No internal or external changes were proposed, with the kitchen being retained, and the seating area theoretically becoming a staff room.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.