Historic former church in Shropshire for sale with approval for conversion into eight apartments

James Rossiter, associate director at Bond Wolfe, explained that the detached building was originally constructed in 1813 as a Congregational Chapel, before later serving as a United Reformed Church. 

The building has links with the composer Edward German whose father, John David Jones, was the organist and choirmaster of the church for more than 30 years in the late 19^th century. 

Mr Rossiter said: “This historic Grade II-listed building presents a rare and exciting development opportunity in one of Shropshire’s oldest and most charming market towns. 

“Full planning permission was granted in May 2024 for the sympathetic conversion of the property into eight residential apartments, with a mix of one and two bedroom, plus dedicated parking spaces. 

“The development includes the former church, adjoining church hall and Sunday School, and this is predominantly level, with the former graveyard gently sloping away at the rear. 

“The scheme extends to just under 5,200 sq ft of accommodation and has been thoughtfully designed to retain many of the building’s original architectural features, preserving its historic character while creating attractive contemporary residences.” 

The former church has a fascinating history dating back from when the United Reform Church split from the Presbyterian Congregation in 1797.

According to its Historic England listing, the breakaway worshippers converted a small currier’s shop on the Dodington site to serve as their chapel in 1798, enlarging this and fitted it out as a chapel in 1813.

The vestry was enlarged and a schoolroom added at first floor level in 1815, before a new school hall and dated façade were added in 1846. 

The building’s centenary was marked in 1913, and a new pulpit and choir stalls were fitted in 1915.

The freehold property is located just 600 metres from the heart of Whitchurch, with excellent connections to the wider Shropshire area, Cheshire and Wales. 

The former church is among 186 lots that are due to appear in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which starts at 8.30am on Thursday 10 September. 

The auction will be livestreamed via Bond Wolfe’s website with remote bidding by proxy, telephone or internet.  

For more details and to register to bid visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/auctions/properties/, email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510.