A COUNCILLOR hopes a former church now on the market for more than a million pounds will not be converted into flats.

The Westcliff United Reformed Church, in Kings Road, Leigh, has been put up for sale for £1.2 million.

The church, believed to have been constructed between 1913 and 1915, has stood empty since 2018 amid dwindling congregation numbers.

“A lot of these churches have outlived their lifespans now, I suppose”, said Cllr Peter Wexham.

“Churches over the years have gradually been disappearing. Some of them turn into places of worship for other religions, some into community centres and others into blocks of flats.

“Gradually they are being sold off, and I hope this latest one does not become a block of flats.”

He added: “However, if they haven’t got a congregation, then there is nothing that can be done. Churches cost a lot to maintain, but it’s always a shame to lose them when they are not brining in the revenue to maintain the building.”

The last use of the church, which is technically comprised of two buildings, was as a place of worship in Church Hall, while the meeting hall was last used as a child-care nursery.

Legally, the buildings are considered suitable for use for use as an office, health centre, nursery, or gallery. If a developer wished to create a block of flats, they would have to apply for a change of use via the Southend Council.

Estate Agent Fenn Wright notes “the property is considered to have significant potential for conversion or redevelopment”.

The church buildings are constructed of brick and ashlar stone with pitched timber truss roofs covered in slate tiles and are detached, interlinked and predominantly single storey.

Externally, the buildings are situated on a rectangular plot and there is a small off-road parking area between the church and the highway.

Inside, the historic and open plan church boasts a worship area, vestry office, toilet areas, a gallery, and storage area.