Council planners give blessing for urgent repairs to brickwork of blaze-damaged Cleethorpes church

It was in October last year that a blaze ripped through the fabric of the precious landmark building

THE go-ahead was today given for urgent repairs to walls and window openings at the fire-ravaged Beaconthorpe Methodist Church in Cleethorpes.

These are deemed essential because of the extent of damage caused when a blaze ripped through the building on October 5 last year.

The roof could not be saved and severe cracking was caused to much of the brickwork.

In addition, the stone framing of an arched window is severely displaced and likely to fall in if not removed.

After noting the comments of architectural experts, senior North East Lincolnshire Council planning case officer Jonathan Cadd has granted Listing Building Consent for the repairs to proceed subject to appropriate replacement bricks and mortar being used.

Ultimately, it is the intention of Grimsby man David Beard for the property, which has long ceased being used for worship, to be converted to up to six apartments for which he has already secured planning permission.

                                     

Aspirational. Above and below are images of an interior designer's concept for how the inside of the church might look if converted to apartments.