Woolaston Methodist church building and land prepared for sale

It's almost a year now since Woolaston Methodist Church building in the Forest of Dean closed its doors for the final time after almost 155 years of worship and witness. Baptisms, weddings, funerals, sunday schools, flower festivals, coffee mornings, church year and milestone celebrations are just some of the many, rich memories.

Now in accordance with charity law, the Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit Executive, in partnership with their consultants, are preparing the church building for sale.

County church leaders have engaged planning consultants to apply for a change of use. Also an ecology company has completed an initial bat survey. Following a dawn to dusk survey, a final report and mitigation plan will accompany the planning application. Separately, a Planning in Principle application is being submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council to cover Woolaston field. If passed, church leaders are hoping it may help provide the area with much needed affordable housing.

Gloucestershire's Methodist Superintendent Minister, the Revd John Hellyer says, "As always we give thanks for all that is past. The sales of the building plus also the field, will help us, as a local Circuit, to fund new opportunities and work amongst local people".