COUNCILLORS and the public have weighed in on the news of the potential conversion of Wesleyan Methodist Church - which is set to become a 'luxury dwelling'.

The news comes as Copeland Borough Council received an application for planning permission to convert the former church in Whitehaven town centre into a single luxury dwelling.

The building of gothic architecture is a Grade-II Listed building that dates back to the 1800s.

The church closed in 1996 and it has stood empty for the 27 years, leaving a large empty building in the centre of town.

The report notes from the closure states that Wesleyan Methodist Church had 'fallen into serious disrepair'.

The proposal report states: “The proposal is to create a single dwelling utilising the original fabric and not damaging anything significant.

“There are clearly many issues regarding the repair of the property which will need to be set out for the Council, to ensure that what is proposed is appropriate, but the general tenor of the scheme put forward is considered a suitable use of the spaces available and in the main give no cause for concern.”

READ MORE: Wesleyan Methodist Church set to be converted into 'luxury dwelling'

The report also states that although partitions may be included on the ground floor it “will not damage the significance of this listed building. As proposed, they are reversible and do not damage any significant features.” 

Councillor for Bransty Ward, Graham Roberts said: "I would much rather it be a home rather than let it stand empty. It is a beautiful building.

"Once the place is occupied it will not be subject to vandalism as it once was."

Graham continued: "I am all for it. It gets my seal of approval."

Council for Mirehouse, Mike Hawkins said: "Anything is better than what we have now.

"I am pleased to see it getting back into use. It has been such a huge empty block in the town for years and finally it is getting sorted."

The public also appeared pleased to hear that the church is being converted. Caroline Bainbridge said: "I really hope this is true, it’s a stunning building - one dwelling sounds truly awesome."

Jill Hudson said: "Let's hope someone can indeed do something with this lovely building soon, so it can be an enhancement to the town centre once again instead of the eyesore it is becoming."

READ MORE: New breast surgery technique pioneered at West Cumberland Hospital

READ MORE: Cumbrian charities join forces to send tools to Africa