A chapel in Cornwall is at the centre of a dispute over whether it can continue as a community space.
Residents have used Downderry Methodist Chapel for more than a decade as a centre for a wide range of community activities, after the building fell out of use for worship. The 130-year-old chapel, nicknamed The Zone, is now home to 16 different groups who use it as their base.
In 2023, the chapel was registered as an “asset of community value” under the Localism Act 2011, which introduced the Community Right to Bid. Following this, local people raised £200,000 to buy the building. However, the Methodist Circuit, which owns the site, has rejected the offer, arguing it must seek the best price on the open market in line with charity law.
Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Methodist Circuit said: “The local trustees are charity trustees and are under a legal obligation to act in accordance with charity law and the constitution of the Methodist Church. This means obtaining the best terms and best price when disposing of charity property.”
Local residents say the decision is a blow for the hundreds of people who use the space.
“It’s devastating,” said Michelle Davies from the Zone Steering Committee. “It’s such a vital part of our village for all ages, from birth upwards. Not having that place to come and meet people and be sociable will make the village very lonely.”
While St Nicolas Church nearby can be used for some groups, it is expected that some people will not be able to attend at the available times and some groups may be forced to fold.
The Zone hosts a variety of activities, from fitness groups such as yoga and pilates to mother and baby classes, as well as the Women’s Institute.
Local resident Sue Dobinson said: “Hundreds of people use this building. If it goes on the open market to the highest bidder, maybe one family will be able to use it.
“It doesn’t make sense. It’s so sad.”
Property management company Walker Singleton states that the sale of religious buildings has been relatively steady over the past 15 to 20 years. Such structures are often redeveloped as homes, offices, hospitality venues, nurseries, or community spaces, although there can be challenges with converting listed buildings.