Public Consultation – Chapel of Light, Community Repair & Refurbishment Project
Hedley Planning Services is conducting a community engagement event to support a forthcoming planning application being submitted by Napper Architects. This project, commissioned by the Maximum Impact Christian Centre, is for the repair and refurbishment of the Chapel of Light and School Buildings.
The Proposal Description:
The Chapel of light are submitting a planning application for the repair and refurbishment of their premises on Cornhill Road, Southwick. The project seeks to transform the site into an inclusive community facility, integrating cultural, creative educational (early years), and social spaces for people of all ages. Early and meaningful engagement is central to shaping a scheme that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Southwick community, and we would value your insight and experience to achieve this.
A Public Consultation Event will be held on:
Thursday 26th February, 12:00- 17:00
Sunday 1st March 2026: 13:30 – 16:00
Chapel of Light, Cornhill Road, Southwick, SR5 1RU
Background
The impressive Victorian brick-built basilica was designed by architect Charles Hodgson Fowler (1840-1910), the Byzantine-Romanesque design rises above the residential terraces of Southwick. The interior decorative scheme of the church is arguably the most impressive feature of the church, designed by James Eadie-Reid, the hand-painted murals of biblical scenes are of national importance. St Columba’s Nursery School was opened in 1893, then expanded in 1901. The primary school was demolished in the mid 1970s, leaving the Infant School. After renovations, the church and school was visited by Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, in June 1990. However, this eventually closed just 8 years after she visited in 1998.
Just as important as the fabric of the building is the cultural and emotional importance vested in it by the local community. The church has long been at the heart of this area; it was the only school in Southwick for many decades, and local people very keenly felt its closure for worship and other socio-cultural activities between 2010 and 2012, and its reopening in July 2012 was warmly welcomed.
The site previously obtained planning permission in March 2022 for an infill extension between main church and church hall and internal alterations to church hall to provide community facilities including: cafe, creche and meeting room, demolition of ancillary extensions, and erection of new entrance foyer to front of church hall. This public consultation opportunity is central to shaping a scheme that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Southwick community, and we would value your insight and experience to achieve.
Consultation
Your views are important and will continue to be valuable as the planning application progresses.
The Maximum Impact Christian Centre are committed to engaging with the local community about its proposals and would like to hear your views on this project.
We have a survey (as linked below) to provide your response to the public consultation. The feedback will be collated and shared with the team who will then address matters accordingly.
Click HERE to view the survey
Alternatively, please provide feedback by Monday 9th March 2026
Email: lewis@hedleyplanning.co.uk
Post: Hedley Planning Services Unit 3, Hexham Enterprise Hub, Burn Lane, Hexham, NE46 3HY
