We understand that the building was originally constructed in 1873 as the Milton Congregational Church, a stone building in the Gothic Revival style but has since been subjected to various extensions and alterations. Nevertheless, it is a large, imposing building in the street scene. A decorative gable end incorporating a highlevel rose window faces Clarence Place. The roofs are mainly steeply pitched and with slate coverings.
Internally, the majority to the ground floor is given over to a large sanctuary with some smaller rooms adjoining; there is a hall to the rear. The sanctuary is principally full height and extends into the roof pitch which has feature timber trusses with metal ties. There is a balcony to the rear of the sanctuary. At the same, upper level are some smaller rooms to the flank elevations.
There is also a lower ground floor, beneath the north part of the property. Due to changes in the land, it is at a similar level to William Street. It provides a further hall and ancillary accommodation, previously used as kitchens and stores.
Regrettably, the building has been subjected to some vandalism, particularly internally.
The plot is rectangular. There is a small forecourt to Clarence Place but otherwise limited external space. There is no on-site car parking.
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Location
The building is located to the south of the town centre and approximately 1km from Gravesend railway station. Clarence Place connects Windmill Street and Parrock Street. It is a predominantly residential area although other uses are represented. It is an attractive location with period dwellings within a conservation area. There is a second frontage to William Street.
Accommodation
Plans provided within the brochure are attached and provide a useful indication of the accommodation and its arrangement.
Terms
Planning
The informal views of Gravesham Council have been obtained on the planning considerations.
The property is within the Windmill Hill Conservation Area and is identified as a positive building within the Windmill Hill Conservation Area Appraisal.
The premises were last used as a place of worship. However, a S.106 planning agreement (Planning ref: 20000264) has removed authorisation for this and any other use within class D1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, without the prior written consent of the Council. Therefore all future uses will require planning permission. It is considered that the building may be suitable for residential conversion. Furthermore, it may be suitable for a variety of community related or possible commercial uses subject to all material planning issues including impact on the highway network and potential disturbance on the surrounding residential properties can be resolved.
All enquiries regarding planning issue should be directed to Gravesham Borough Council (email:planning.admin@gravesham.gov.uk).
We also understand the property is not on the statutory list under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The usual enquiries should be made.
Environmental Performance Cerificate
The property has an Environmental Performance Certificate rating of C(74). A copy can be viewed within the brochure.
Terms and Proposals
Interest is invited from parties intending to refurbish the property to secure its long-term future. Due to the current lack of an authorised use, proposals will be considered on a subject to planning permission basis. It is envisaged that the owner will grant a building agreement followed by, on completion of an agreed refurbishment programme, a freehold sale. The vendor will not consider proposals requiring redevelopment or significant demolition of the building.
In order that offers can be properly considered, they must be accompanied by information on the prospective purchaser’s track record of such schemes and a written indication of the merits of the proposed use and development from Gravesham Borough Council.
Offers
Offers are invited in excess of £500,000.
Specification
- Victorian Church, hall & meeting rooms
- Two road frontages
- Conservation Area
- Two hours on-street parking
- Potential for conversion to other uses – subject to planning permission
- Existing restriction against use within class D1 including as a place or worship