Newtown councillors have called for action to ensure that a derelict former chapel that has been left to ruin for more than a decade does not pose a risk to the public.

Bethel Chapel has stood in New Road since 1875 but has deteriorated to such a poor state of repair that it may not last for many more years after it was sold in 2008.

Internal water damage has caused a number of the wooden floorboards to disintegrate throughout the building, and a section of the upper balcony has collapsed under its own weight since a number of slates have fallen off the roof causing the roof above to decay rapidly.

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has raised concerns about the "eyesore" building and have asked Powys County Council (PCC) to take action. PCC said that no enforcement action would be taken and the case had been closed.

 

Former Bethel Chapel in Newtown. Picture by David Williams.

Former Bethel Chapel in Newtown. Picture by David Williams.

 

Gwyn Humphreys, planner, said: "Whilst several windows have been broken, and roof slates are missing, it is not considered the current state of the building is causing an unacceptable, adverse or detrimental impact upon public amenity. Indeed, when viewed within the context of the wider street scene, the missing roof slates and broken windows are not prominent, and are relatively inconspicuous. Therefore, whilst it is acknowledged that the building is in a poor state of repair at present, it is not considered the impact of this warrants the serving of a Section 215 Untidy Land Notice on this occasion."

At a recent town council meeting, councillors said they were "very unhappy" with PCC's decision not to take action.

Cllr Richard Edwards said: "We think it does warrant further action. It does not seem to be a safe building anymore. If it did collapse or partially collapse or parts of it came off then it could actually damage property or people as well because they are living close to it.

"How much worse does it need to get? How dangerous does it need to become?"

 

Former Bethel Chapel in Newtown. Picture by David Williams.

Former Bethel Chapel in Newtown. Picture by David Williams.

 

Newtown Mayor Cllr Richard Williams said the response from Powys County Council was "frustrating and disappointing" as a notice is "exactly what they are meant to do with abandoned buildings."

"It's an eyesore in Newtown and it's something we want to develop. We need to keep the pressure on," he added.

Cllr David Selby added: "It should be obvious to anyone that the building is not going to last for many more years"

Newtown councillors have recommended to write to PCC's lead planning professional officer Peter Morris asking that action is taken.