Coventry residents will have their say on church listing despite mixed views

Coventry residents will be asked for their views on whether a much-loved 1920s church should be listed by the council. A six-week designation consultation for Hearsall Baptist Church is likely to take place next month.

Listing would mean that the heritage value of the church must be taken into account in decisions about any planned redevelopment. The move was called for in a 1,000-strong petition last year after the buildings were put up for sale.

But councilors disagreed with the decision to go ahead at a meeting earlier this week on June 17. Shadow cabinet member Cllr Marcus Lapsa (Con, Westwood) claimed a consultation would be “a waste of money”.

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“Looking at the type of properties (we’ve) looked at in the past, this wouldn’t even have been considered,” he added. Cllr Lapsa said he understood why people wanted the star to be protected.

But he pointed out that the popular Christmas decoration had been left off the list, with officers in the report explaining that this would not be practical as it is not a permanent feature. Cllr Lapsa claimed the heritage value drops “considerably” if the star is left out.

But his fellow shadow cabinet member Roger Bailey (Con, Cheylesmore) said he believed the building “has heritage value”. “A lot of people reject the value of the 20th century,” he added.

Cllr Bailey said it was good the move would be consulted on so the council could get a “much wider view”. “I’d love to hear the greatest voice out there,” he added.

Cllr David Welsh (Lab, St Michael’s) agreed there was a fairly high standard in what the council listed, but said there was still a process to go through, including getting the views of local people. He told councillors: “I want to make sure our heritage assets are valued, I want to make sure historic buildings have a future.”

He acknowledged that church buildings can face particular problems, adding: “This is something we have to acknowledge. For buildings to have a future, they must have a purpose and a use.”

He stressed that the decision is “not certain” and will depend on what happens. A report by council officers found the church may be able to meet the council’s listing standards.

But they said this depended on more research and public consultation. They recommended taking a step forward and going to the community for comments.

Cllr Welsh backed the move but changed the wording to make it clear that the public would be asked about the move for six weeks and consider the “potential” for the church to be listed.

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