A vicar’s attempt to convert two historic Methodist churches in Buckinghamshire into homes has been thwarted by the local council.

Rev Adam Wells had proposed transforming the disused churches in Winchmore Hill and Lee Common into residential properties, arguing that declining congregations and ageing populations had rendered the buildings unsustainable.

Buckinghamshire Council rejected the plans, stating that there was insufficient evidence that the churches were no longer needed for community purposes and that the conversion would "result in the loss of a community asset".

In evidence submitted to the council, seen by The Daily Mail, Rev Wells wrote that the churches only had only six members, of whom only three lived in the village, aged in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, who he said "do not feel able to keep up the work of the church in the years to come".

He also said they had "not been able to find a purchaser for the building for community use that would be able to maintain it and provide the necessary income".

The churches had been closed since 2021, with congregations dwindling to just a few elderly members.

Local residents had mixed feelings about the proposal, with some supporting the conversion due to the churches' deteriorating condition, while others were concerned about losing the historic buildings.

Rev Wells hopes to resolve the issue and reinvest any proceeds from the sale into local community work.