Plans to remove some of the pews at historic Grade I Listed Fulneck Moravian Church have been submitted to Leeds City Council.
The proposals by the church would see two rows of front facing pews removed, along with an inner row of side-facing pews. One of the side facing pews would also be replaced by a shorter one, to improve access.
It’s hoped the move will allow the church more flexibility and space to host events such as concerts.
A design statement submitted with the application said that the church, which was established in 1748, was originally a multi-purpose building with moveable benches.
When the pews were added it limited its use and has since mainly been used for worship, leaving it unused for the majority of the time.
It said: “When the pews were first installed the church was regularly full and as such there was a need for as much seating as possible. Now, unfortunately, this is not the case. The church is only full for certain special services like our Christingle or if we have a large wedding or funeral therefore the pews we’ve identified as needing to be removed are rarely used. Upon removal of the pews, if more seating was required, chairs could be used in the space.”
It said the removal of the six pews ‘will not detract in any way’ from the overall look of the interior of the building and, in themselves, are ‘not deemed to be of significant interest’.
The statement added: “With the removal of these pews, the church would not only be more accessible, but also more flexible for its use. Fulneck church is blessed with wonderful acoustics that make it an ideal venue for musical performances.
“However, the lack of space at the front of the church that is caused by the aforementioned pews significantly restricts what we are able to host. Whilst we have been able to have a some brass band concerts at Christmas time, it’s a tremendously tight squeeze to fit them in.
“It is hoped that creating more space will enable other bands, choirs, and musicians to perform in the church and that will not only help the church financially but also enable more people to discover our beautiful church.”
- The plans can be viewed in full here.
Sponsored content
