Hello supporters of the Church building, and objectors of the convenience store/car park,

We have hit 250 Petition signatures and we are still going strong! Thank you so much for your support, and it is so much appreciated.
However there is STILL more to do. The most essential step to help save this beautiful church, is to submit a formal objection to the planning application via the council's website,.

I previously said that Wed April 1st 2026 was the deadline to do this, however yesterday, after a lengthy conversation with Wyre Council planning authority, I asked about what time they shut the website comments off later that day, and strangely they said that the 1st of April was more of an aim, rather than a mandated rule. So I probed further to ask if people can still lodge objections after this date, and they said 'YES', however only up until the target date for the planning application hearing which is Wed 21st-24th April 2026.

So in a strange fortuitous twist of misunderstanding, it means that we have a bit more time, nearly 3 weeks more, to lodge more objections in. 
I sent you an update when we hit 100 signatures, but since then we have 150 more signatures, so this update is more for the newer objectors to the development, whom wish to save the church from demolition.

If you have already done so, then once again, my utmost thank you and appreciation to you for that. If you haven't done so, the link to do this can be found here:
https://publicaccess.wyre.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=TA93D4SDN4C00

The devil is usually in the detail when it comes to having an effective objection, and there are multitudes of different angles that this fight can come from.
This is just my perspective, and I'm sure you will have your own, but i feel that this building IS of historical and architectural significance. It's a blend of Art Deco and minimal gothic detailing, and it has perfect symmetry, and is also in as close to original condition as the day it was built, and in great condition meaning it still has a lengthy life left in it. This means it is unique and outstanding. For this reason, I would argue that it is important enough to be classified as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset ( NDHA ), and with all NDHA's, local planning authorities should take account of:  the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting  them to viable uses consistent with their conservation.

The National Policy Planning Framework ( NPPF ), at Paragraph 216 states: ‘The effect of an application on the significance of a non-designated heritage asset should be taken into account in determining the application. In weighing applications that directly or indirectly affect non-designated heritage assets, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm of loss and the significance of the heritage asset.’ 

This beautiful church absolutely is a vital ingredient for the community's benefit, as well as part of the cultural heritage and aesthetic identity of Cleveleys. This building can still serve its community, even if it means converting it to other uses, and THAT I feel is the best argument going forward. Given the large amount of objectors to the demolition and the desire to save the church, clearly the community still feel the benefit this church can bring.

I would also argue that the access, delivery and parking to the proposed car park will be an absolute nightmare, especially its close proximety to a main crossroads with traffic lights. It will cause massive disruption and tailbacks trying to get in and out of the car park. And given that there don't appear to be many car parking spaces in the car park, then it most likely will get full quickly at peak shopping times. When this inevitably happens, then I can foresee car-driving shoppers resorting to parking on the side streets, such as West Drive West, Beach Ave, Ryden Avenue, as well as Rossal Road, I suspect this will cause a lot of problems for neighbours in this area. And then there is the noise factor if undersirable characters such as day drinkers or noisy youths hang around outside the shop.

Wyre council most certainly proved back in 2022 that they had a desire to see  the church still survive in converted residential form, and this can still be the case even now. Or it can still survive if put to other community uses. Given the church's great condition, I see no reason why it can't stand for another 100 years, still of benefit, serving the community well.

Anyway, I will leave it in your hands, and if there are any more updates forthcoming, I shall let you know and keep you up to date.

Regards,
Ian
( Petition creator ).