PLANS to turn a town centre church into nine flats have been submitted to Barnsley Council.

St Barnabas Hall, the church on Old Mill Lane, was built originally as a catholic church in 1933 following the demolition of a previous building in the 1880s.

The site, comprising two church buildings connected together by single-storey extensions, was put up for sale in 2023 but is now vacant.

The buildings were originally catholic churches and last used as a masonic lodge and community and events space.

The reasons for sale are due to a declining number of attendees and the cost of running the buildings.

It has now been purchased and the applicants are hoping to convert the two buildings into nine one-bedroom properties.

A report states: “The church use is no longer viable and was reluctantly advertised for sale in 2023.

“Churches have seen a decline in use over the years and many are being put to other uses.

“The site is located within a residential area.

“A conversion to residential would be the most obvious and suitable use to secure a long-term future for the buildings. “

The report also states that no parking will be available for those living in the properties, should the plans be deemed acceptable.

“Due to site constraints, the proposal does not include any off-street parking,” it added.

“The site is less than a ten minute walk to the town centre and train station.

“The walk to the town centre is along public roads with footpaths.

“The roads are lit and have a high footfall.

“The site is in an area which has good access to public transport.

“The surrounding terraced streets are controlled by a permit policy.

“This ensures the streets do not become congested with parking for town centre workers and visitors.

“Any future residents with a car could park on the terraced streets without causing a highway safety issue and subject to a permit being issued.”

A total of 29 neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date.

Public consultation ends on August 8, with a target decision date of September 6 being set.