Chapel building on auction again after decade-long community planning row

A chapel building that has been embroiled in a community row for almost two decades is on sale for the second time after a failed auction last year.

The former Delph Independent Chapel is going on the market on February 27 to 28 at a start price of £425k.

The listing by auctioneers Pugh describes the site as “a superb development opportunity comprising a former stone chapel benefitting from approved planning permission. 

“The sale of the site includes the graveyard but the successful buyer has the option to have the graveyard included or excluded in between exchange and completion at no extra cost or discount.” 

The 150-year-old building on the corner of Hill End Road and Delph Lane has been subject to controversy since the current owner set out to renovate it in 2006.

The Switzerland-based psychologist Dr Paula Rothermel planned to transform the vacant building into a series of flats while conserving the chapel’s exterior. 

But the ex-resident of Delph reportedly faced a number of planning disputes that delayed the work, causing costs to spiral.

Just under 18 years later the former chapel remains empty and in a steadily worsening condition.

The planning permission is for nine small apartments or seven apartments - six two-beds and one three-bed with mezzanine floors.

Dr Rothermel also received planning permission for two semi-detached homes on land north of the chapel in 2018.

The planning process, which was first started in 2007, has been fraught by disagreement within the community.

Concerns were raised about parking availability and access to the cemetery, which is on private land but where many local family plots are located. 

When reapplying for planning permission in 2017, Dr Rothermel posted publicly: “I plead with anyone thinking to submit an objection to weigh up carefully what it is they want.

"The objections to my revised 2007 application delayed the project by ten years and this time delay is the reason that the cost has spiralled.

“Personally I’m in the position today of deciding whether to simply give up or struggle on.” 

The planning permission was granted but six years on, Dr Rothermel conceded the fight and put the chapel up for auction.

Listed at £425k in March last year, the building found no buyer and is now on auction for the second time. 

Some works have started on the chapel to keep the planning permissions valid, as they would otherwise lapse after three years from the grant date. 

Dr Rothermel and Pugh were approached for comment but did not respond.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.