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Holy opportunity for home hunters

17/ 6/2008

A LANDMARK church in Accrington has gone up for sale with a guide price of £350,000.

It is likely that the Grade 11 listed Cannon Street Baptist Church, which dates back to 1874, will be converted into 16 flats after planning permission was granted earlier this year.

The church, opposite the derelict Conservative Club, has been empty since being sold for £250,000 in October 2006.

Now developers are being invited to submit bids to Prestwich-based owners Y and Y Developers for the church, which was once one of the most thriving in the town.

Plans passed for the sandstone and slate building, which closed due to rising maintenance costs, include four one-bed, and six two- and three-bed apartments.

Tom Flanagan, director of Paul Butler Associates, the agent for the owners, said: “According to the plans the only changes externally will be the windows and roof lights. Internally, floors will be inserted but as many of the main features as possible will remain.

“One of the key features of the church is the entrance. We have made sure there is no intervention there and it will remain open.”

The Rev Kevin Logan, of Christ Church, which amalgamated with Cannon Street following its closure, said: “It’s a fine building and it means a lot to many people.

“It was the leading baptist church in Accrington and people have many fond memories of life at Cannon Street.

“The church is very happy with the plans and many people would like to see it developed and used for the benefit of others.”

No-one from Y and Y Developments was available for comment.