Plans to convert an almost 150-year-old church which is “falling into disrepair” into two homes have been approved.

The former Community Church, which dates back to 1881, in Deal has stood empty since services stopped there in March 2020.

Applicant Julie Ray says she hopes to provide “two unique homes in the heart of Deal” after a revised scheme was given the green light by Dover District Council (DDC) in October.

The original application - to convert the main Victorian-era building and create a single eight-bedroom dwelling and redevelop the former Sunday School building into a separate five-bedroom home - was approved by DDC’s planning officers in 2021.

In their report, they said the work would “enhance the character and appearance” of the area.

Ms Ray, who is a director for Ashford-based Raycasa Investments Ltd, says the work on the school house renovation is almost complete and it recently hit the market for £1.95 million.

But in the amended plans for the main church building, on the corner of Victoria Road and Stanley Road, the firm said its ambitions to turn it into a single home are “no longer economically viable”.

Documents submitted to DDC said the changing housing market and rising building costs mean there is a “reduced demand for such large houses”.

Now the scheme has been approved, it means there will be three homes compared to two from the initial application.

Those behind the project say the site is “falling into disrepair” and is in “urgent need of a new sustainable use if it is going to be retained in the long term”.

The church is not listed but the landmark building falls within the Middle Street Conservation Area and could be classed as a non-designated heritage asset.

The newly approved plans will split the main building into two four-bedroom homes across three floors.

Both dwellings would have a private courtyard garden, and the bedrooms with en-suite facilities would be on the first and second floors.

Covered cycle and bin stores would be provided for both homes.

DDC’s officer's report outlined the authority’s support for the scheme.

It stated: “It is noted that the current building is derelict, and the previous congregation had already relocated to a new purpose-built facility and no longer required the use of this application building.

“Whilst the building could be rented to local groups for community activities, it is acknowledged there are several other facilities available for such uses in the area.

“The proposed changes to the property are largely internal and considered to be minor and would not be widely visible within the conservation area.

“Overall, the proposed change of use would involve minor external alterations and would enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and street scene.

“Furthermore, it is considered that the development would not harm the residential amenities of the surrounding dwellings and provide a good level of amenity for future occupiers.”

No objections were registered on DDC’s planning portal against the scheme.

However, neighbours said they hoped disruption such as noise and the impact on parking would be kept to a minimum while works take place.

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The site was originally built as a Baptist Church in 1881 but has been used by different denominations ever since.

Proposals show bosses want to retain as many historic features as possible, including all the original doors, stained glass windows, stairs, ornate roof trusses and the main entrance hall.

Speaking on the amended scheme’s approval, Ms Ray, director of Ashford-based Raycasa Investments Ltd, said: “I’ve taken on the church and Sunday School because I have a passion for bringing old buildings back to life and turning them into family homes.

“The first part of the project has gone so well, and the design compliments the building, and we are now ready to take on the church project.

“With its amazing windows and high ceilings, I’m sure they will make two unique homes in the heart of Deal, and it’s fantastic that the council has supported this project.”