INITIAL plans have been put forward to rebuild a historic church that was devastated by fire.
A pre-planning application for the rebuild of Mudeford All Saints Church has been submitted to BCP Council.
Once the local authority has shared its views on the proposal, churchwardens say a full planning application will be submitted.
Mudeford All Saints was destroyed in a huge blaze on the evening of Thursday, July 14, 2022, due to an electrical issue in the building.
It has been out of use ever since, with worshipers, clubs and organisations forced to find new homes.
Speaking with the Daily Echo, churchwarden Tony Eden confirmed the rebuilt church will be “essentially the same style as the original”.
It will include a new entrance to allow access for wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties.
The stained-glass windows were heavily damaged in the fire, and so these will also need replacing. They will be replaced “as they were”, except for the large west window where a church member is designing a new window to “reflect life in the 21st century”, says Mr Eden.
The heating system is being considered, with the Church of England aiming to make churches carbon-neutral by 2030.
Underfloor heating is set to be installed. Heat pumps and solar panels could also be fitted.
Inside, the pews are set to be replaced with chairs, with Mr Eden noting this offers “greater flexibility for the use of the space” as well as “flexibility for use by future generations”.
The condition of the building walls remains a cause for concern, with damage caused by the fire and the subsequent deterioration due to the wind and rain. Mr Eden says discussions are ongoing with insurers to determine the best way to proceed.
The proposed layout of the new Mudeford All Saints Church went on display during the Mudeford Arts Festival in July.
These plans are now on display outside the place of worship.
While the total cost of the rebuild is yet to be confirmed, it is likely insurance will not cover the entire project, so there will be a need for additional fundraising by Mudeford All Saints.
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