Specialist housing plan revealed for site of former Marton Methodist Church

The site of a former Blackpool church looks set to be redeveloped as housing for vulnerable residents.

Developer Melrose Investments Ltd is seeking planning permission to build a three-storey apartment block on the site of the former Marton Methodist Church on Midgeland Road, Marton.

The church was demolished after it closed despite a fundraising campaign to save it. Proposals submitted to Blackpool Council said the redevelopment would see 15 supported living flats built, with associated staff area, car parking, cycle store, bin store, landscaping and access and provision of three public electrical vehicle charging points.

Each one-bedroom apartment would be adapted for occupancy by residents with learning and physical needs, with the facility run by a registered care provider and housing association. There would be provision for it to be staffed 24-hours-a-day, and enable adults to live independently in the local area, instead of having to rely on out-of-town placements.

A letter supporting the application from Chris Musson, managing director of housing solutions company Specialist Supported Living, says the scheme would be “very different from homelessness or temporary housing provision.”

It adds: “The schemes we develop are bespoke in their specification to allow for people on the autistic spectrum, enduring mental health or indeed a dual diagnosis. All of this cohort would live within their own home but there would be 24-hour care and support provided by a third-party care provider organisation.

“We cannot give any specifics as we do not know whom yet would be referred to the scheme, but it would be targeted at local vulnerable adults with the above needs who are currently in the wrong environments such as care homes which are no longer fit for purpose nor meet the standards required for these folk.”

Marton Methodist Church closed in 2021 after falling into financial difficulties when the Covid pandemic caused hall bookings and functions to be cancelled. A campaign to raise £10,000 failed to save it from closure. The application, with the reference 23/0852, will go before town hall planners for consideration at a future date.