Go ahead for Thornton Hough church to be turned into homes

Following the recent approval, St George’s Church in Thornton Hough is set to become four residential units.

The Grade-II listed Wirral church was completed in the early 1900s.

It sits on a triangular plot in the centre of the historic model village, surrounded by the village’s primary school, village hall, and the Seven Stars pub.

Plans say the church was “a gift to the village” by Lord Leverhulme.

In late 2024, plans were submitted to Wirral Council seeking permission to convert the now disused church into four apartments.

The plans would see the site’s use changing from ‘place of worship’ to ‘residential’.

Almost two years later, the plans have now received the green light.

Plans submitted to the council said: “The formation of four smaller independent units, each with its separate entrance was a key design driver of the proposal.”

It adds that having four units works naturally with the building’s size and features.

Each of the units will have their own private entrances and there will be no common spaces in the site.

Plans add that if the building was to do turned into one unit, it would likely have “six or so bedrooms, utility room, cinema room, sitting room, study, cloak room, games room, gym et cetera.”

Concerns were raised to the council during the planning process.

Historic England said whilst they “fully support securing a new use for St George’s” the proposals “come at a high cost to the significance of this important building’s intact interior.”

Following suggestions from Historic England, a full recording of the building’s interior will be undertaken.

The council’s decision notice, which explained the plans have been approved, stated: “The public benefits are considered to outweigh the identified harm.”

It also says the proposals signify “the optimal viable use for this building.”