PLANS to convert a landmark church building into apartments have been submitted to the Forest Council.

The application would see St John’s Church in Boxbush Road, Coleford, converted into nine apartments.

It is 10 years since the last service at the 144-year-old church which was officially closed in July 2016.

A campaign to turn the church over to community use was rejected on the grounds it was not sustainable and the Church of England’s Gloucester diocese stepped up moves to sell it in 2020.

Since then there have been several expressions of interest, all for conversion to residential use.

A design and access statement for the applicants says: “We believe if the church is no longer viable as a place of worship and community uses are not financially sustainable, then as long as the structure and integrity of the building is maintained and the physical impact of any change of use is minimal and reversible, then due consideration should be given.

“This proposal not only ensures the building is not demolished but the structure, significance and integrity will be conserved almost intact.”

More apartments could have been included in the plan but the applicants say that would be “over-development”.

Two residents living nearby have commented on the proposals, welcoming the retention of the church but questioning the amount of parking.

It is proposed to have 11 parking spaces on the site to preserve the Boxbush Road frontage.

The statement adds: “There appears to be plenty of space on Boxbush Road whenever we visit the site...”

One resident noted: “I am very concerned about parking there needs to be far more on site.

“There are rarely more than two or three parking spaces free on the road and two will be lost due to the new entrance to the site.

There are quite a few older people in the area currently who do not have cars or who only have one, most younger generations coming in have two cars or more, so the need for parking on the street will increase.”

Another wrote: “I can only assume that the visit was made on a Monday (when St John Street businesses are largely shut).

As a resident of Boxbush Road, I am familiar with the issues regarding pressure on parking due to residential requirement, St John Street business parking, and even the holiday lets in the town all competing for parking space.

“Creating an access point to park at the flats, as planned, will also affect current parking spaces.

As a resident, I already experience the relevant issues at first hand.

It will not take many occupants with two cars in the proposed flats to create a situation where there will be a decrease to the residential parking availability in Boxbush Road.”

The council has advertised the application for public comment because it could affect the setting of a listed building.