Plans to convert former church within a graveyard into offices

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 16:10

By Chris Gee, Local Democracy Reporter

A disused church building could be converted into offices. Plans have been submitted to change the use of the the former New Jerusalem Church, Stand Lane, Radcliffe.

A church and adjoining graveyard has stood on the site for centuries and the current building was constructed in the 1970s. A planning statement in support of the plans has been submitted by Cockwill & Co Ltd on behalf of the applicant, Hotspot Heating Ltd.

It said: “The applicant considers that the proposal is sustainable and acceptable and would not cause a detrimental impact on the neighbouring residential area or the strategic green space and would provide a
contribution towards the office requirements and make good use of a previously empty building.

“The configuration of the existing property is such that the business can operate under one roof.” The application states the hours it will be used for general business will be between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday only.”

The development provides for 10 parking spaces at the site and the supporting documents said there are planned to be eight full-time and two part-time staff working there if the plans are approved.

The applications says there are no external structural alterations to the building planned. The use of the site for a church, including the Baptist New Jerusalem dates back to 1783.

There are dozens of gravestones surrounding the church building, many of them dating from the 19th century. The website www.findagrave.com lists 67 memorials at the site.

Planners in Bury will decide on the plans in the coming weeks.