An impressive former chapel that's in need of urgent refurbishment work has sold at auction. The Old English Calvery Chapel, located on Cliff Terrace in Treforest, Pontypridd has sold for more than twice its guide price and is set to be converted into eight apartments.
The dilapidated Victorian property, which features a three-storey chapel with balcony and traditional church pews, four function rooms and a large basement, will be completely renovated after selling for £161,500 at Paul Fosh Auctions in Newport - more than double it's £80,0000 guide price - as a result of a bidding war between four bidders who tried to outbid each other for the property.
After winning the auction, winning bidder Javid Iqbal applied for planning permission from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to transform the church chapel into eight flats - and the application has now been approved. For more property news, go here.
WalesOnline understands an initial application to convert the Pontypridd chapel into eight apartments was made back in 2019 by a former owner of the building - but the planning application was refused. The former owner then appealed the decision in September 2020, but this appeal was also dismissed. However, this time around, approval has been granted for the conversion, if certain requirements are met.
Providing construction work only takes place between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays (due to the building's proximity to residential properties) and that noise, dust and waste caused by the development works are dealt with adequately, Mr Iqbal has been granted permission from the council to convert the chapel into eight apartments. It's understood construction work could begin very soon.
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Commenting on the sale of the chapel, Debra Bisley of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions explained: "There was a frenzy of bidding from the word 'Go' on the property which is located in a residential area of Trefrest, near Pontypridd. The former chapel will be stripped back and ready for redevelopment to commence by the new owner.
"The property briefly comprises a former three storey chapel, consisting of a church hall, four function rooms and large basement space. There is a garden to either side of the property which has planning to be converted into parking."
Ms Bisley continued: "The chapel is conveniently located and positioned within close proximity to Pontypridd University and Campus, Pontypridd train station, Treforest train station, and local bus routes. The rear of the property offers beautiful views over a public nature trail.
"We have been informed that planning has been granted for eight apartments, comprising of six, two bedroom apartments and two, one bedroom apartments."
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