Hello,
A recent planning application has been submitted for the DEMOLITION of Cleveleys United Reformed Church, and to rebuild in its place, a 'cardboard' box style !"convenience store", of a lesser architectural calibre.

The plan proposal is attached above^.

Planning Application Reference: 26/00116/FUL
Site: Former United Reformed Church, West Drive West / Rossall Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 1EB
Proposal: Demolition of existing church buildings and erection of a local convenience food store (Class E(a)) with associated car parking and landscaping

The planning application can be found here:
https://publicaccess.wyre.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=TA93D4SDN4C00 
and...
https://publicaccess.wyre.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=TA93D4SDN4C00

Please peruse the document files, with notable attention given to the 'proposed elevations' / 'proposed elevations & floorplan' documents uploaded on the 10 Feb 2026, and the 24 Feb 2026.
There you will find an image of what will be built over the site of the church after demolition of it.

If you wish to submit a formal objection to the planning application, you can do so here:
https://publicaccess.wyre.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=TA93D4SDN4C00 
PLEASE NOTE THE LAST DAY TO LODGE AN OBJECTION IS WED 1st APRIL 2026,, SO TIME IS OF THE UTMOST URGENT ESSENCE. /
THIS DEADLINE DATE IS NOW 21st-24th APRIL 2026.

*UPDATE*

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.

The Heritage Statement submitted with the application claims the building has “no significant historic, architectural, artistic, or archaeological interest” and is of “very limited heritage significance.” This assessment, prepared on behalf of the developer, appears heavily biased and should be treated with caution. I would argue that the building has enough architectural uniquity and merit, as well of great benefit to the community, WORTHY to be designated as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset ( NDHA ). We already have The Twentieth Century Society on our side with this argument, and they also have objected to the proposal application, with a strong desire to fight to keep the church, so it continues to serve the community's benefit.

I would also question the need for yet another convenience store, in an area that is already well served with such infrastructure. I also believe that the loss of such an important community asset, and Cleveley's cultural and heritage value, far outweighs any benefit that will come from another convenience store that resembles a cardboard box. The proposed development will also increase traffic pressure at the traffic lights and into the residential streets nearby. It may also incur parking problems if shoppers struggle to find a parking space, and results in shoppers parking outside resident's houses.

I feel sorry for the residents of West Drive West, West Drive, Beach Ave, Ryden Ave & Rossall Road. They are going to get cars parking outside their houses if that car park is full. Which it will do given how few car parking spaces there are. I suspect that will cause a massive parking congestion problem. Then there's the anti-social behaviour problem risk from undesirables hanging around outside shops as well as the subsequent noise concerns.  Then there's the extra traffic entering and exiting around that crossroads. Delivery access problems also.

I have already contacted the local Reform UK chair,for Blackpool South branch, and they have submitted a formal objection to the planning application.
I am in communication with them to help fight this application, and if any councillors from any other parties wish to help fight this battle, then the more the merrier. We need all the help we can get with a mighty opposition to this development, to help save the church.

I have created a petition to help generate a record of local opposition to the planning application, and to show a willing to preserve this beautiful building, and an important part of Cleveley's heritage and aesthetic. Please assist by signing it and sharing this petition to anyone you know locally.