Chapel made community asset amid fears over future

A Methodist chapel in a North Yorkshire village has been registered as a community asset amid concerns it could be sold off.

Hensall Parish Council applied for the chapel, in Main Street, to be given the designation, saying it was no longer used for worship due to low congregation numbers and could be disposed of by the Methodist circuit.

In its application, the council said if it was sold off it would be "a major loss" to the village as many activities took place there.

North Yorkshire Council has agreed to add it to its list of community assets, which recognises buildings and land that play, or have recently played, a vital role in the social well-being or social interests of a community.

The parish council said it was setting up a separate group to look into funding with a view to purchasing the building if or when it came up for sale.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, asset of community value status does not prevent a property from being sold or developed, but it does provide communities with additional opportunities if the owner later decides to dispose of it.

If the owner intends to sell the building, the council must be notified and community groups are given time to express an interest in bidding for the asset before it can be sold on the open market.

The successful application by the parish council stated: "At the moment we have our monthly parish council meetings in the building.

"It is also used for playgroups, coffee mornings, yoga, singing for pleasure, over 60s club, Macmillan coffee morning etc.

"Apart from our cricket club, there is nowhere else in the village to hold these kind of community events, and for us to lose this building will be a major loss to the residents of our lovely village.

"We have recently lost our village post office and our village pub. We are really passionate about doing everything we can to hold on to this asset."

In an assessment report prepared for North Yorkshire Council, officers concluded there was sufficient evidence to support the nomination, finding that the chapel satisfied the legal test required under the legislation.

A council report concluded that the chapel met the criteria for inclusion on the list, which includes that of community use.

It said: "The evidence demonstrates that the chapel serves the local community of Hensall as well as surrounding rural areas.

"It is well used and strongly supported by local residents, the parish council, and local clubs and community groups, with clear interest in maintaining its use.

"Testimony shows it is an important space for social interaction, support, and integration into village life."

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