Believed to be one of just a few – if not the only – church in Ireland without a toilet and running water inside, parishioners at Clare, near Tandragee, are now ‘loo-king’ to the future!
For plans for an extension and alterations to their historic church facilities – including a new toilet – have now been given the nod of approval.
An earlier JustGiving appeal by Clare Parish Church brought in £2,000 in order to help parishioners and visitors who may need to spend a penny!
Two planning applications for the works – one for listed building consent – had been lodged with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, submitted by Rev Colin Darling, on behalf of the Select Vestry.
Coinciding with the application, the JustGiving appeal had asked the public to give what they could.
The appeal implored: “Clare Parish church is one of few churches, if not the only in Ireland, without a proper toilet and running water inside. With a small congregation, raising funds for this project is a challenge but your help and support is greatly appreciated.
“Clare Parish Church of Ireland, between Tandragee and Markethill in County Armagh, is a country church with a small congregation. The church and adjoining small buildings were built in 1840, and since then have not had access to a proper toilet or running water inside.
“The Rector and parishioners of Clare Parish Church between them have begun a fundraising campaign to fund the building of a small toilet and kitchen facilities. God is really moving amongst the congregation of this church, with many visitors attending special services over the last year and these new facilities would be a very welcome and much needed addition.”
After such a successful appeal, Clare Parish Church will now be delighted that the scheme of works itself can now proceed.
The proposal was for “an extension and alterations” to the church hall, together with associated site works.
Planning officials, in their determination, explained: “The extension will be connected to the meeting house located in the north-western corner of the site and will be positioned on the building’s rear (south-western) elevation, within the enclosed grounds of the church.
“The extension will have a flat roof with an overall height of three metres, keeping it subordinate to the existing meeting house, which has a ridge height of five metres.
“It will accommodate a kitchen area accessed internally from the existing building, along with a lobby and wheelchair-accessible WC, which will be accessible both internally and externally via a new door.
“A new path is proposed, running parallel to the south-eastern elevation of the meeting house and connecting the existing tarmacked access path to the extension. The path will rise as it approaches the doorway to form a ramp, which will be fitted with a painted black galvanised steel handrail.
“Proposed finishes include a Trocal flat roof covering, lime roughcast harling to external walls, painted hardwood windows and doors, and concrete paving slabs to the ramp. Rainwater is to be discharged via an internal pipe.”
Historic Environment Division was consulted and had “no objections” to the proposals.
And ABC Council planning officers also raised “no concerns” regarding the planned development in the context of policy.
They considered that the “essential character of the building and its setting” were to be “retained and its features of special interest remain intact and unimpaired”.
Furthermore, they added: “Officers are of the opinion that the proposed works respect the existing built fabric on the site. The render finish of the extension is akin to the render of the existing church, and the extension remains subordinate in scale and massing, given its reduced height and discreet rear location.
“Considering this, officers are satisfied that the proposal will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the area.”
The council will now notify Clare Parish Church of the decision and, subject to a few small conditions, work may now proceed.
