Historic Calderdale Sunday School building used as canteen during World War II could become flats
Plans have gone in to give a Calderdale Sunday School building which opened in 1837 a new lease of life.
New Hey Sunday School, on New Hey Road in Rastrick, could become nine flats, if a planning application is approved.
The new homes would consist of eight two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments, according to the submitted application form.
The plans include associated parking provision – one per apartment, says a design and access statement for the bid.
"This avoids on-street parking pressures and provides a balanced response to local mobility needs,” says the statement.
"Additionally, secure cycle storage is provided and the site is well-served by public transport, supporting sustainable travel choices.”
It adds: “Converting this underused building will bring positive regeneration, improve the streetscape and contributing to housing supply.”
The Sunday School building went up for sale in 2021 after the church using it – New Road Independent Family Church – disbanded following dwindling numbers.
The building was funded by Thomas Thornhill, of Fixby Hall, and was established to educate younger members of the community in spiritual matters while remaining non-denominational.
In 1851, it became a day school, and was extended with new classrooms. Children were educated there until 1912, when a new primary school opened at Carr Green.
A charitable organisation called the Band of Hope was attached to the Sunday school, holding pantomimes and organising trips to pleasure parks and the seaside. Up until the 1980s, its members were still entering floats into the Brighouse Gala.
During World War II, the building was requisitioned by the Ministry of Food and became one of 2,160 British Restaurant communal canteens.
Religious services were relocated to the South Ward Liberal Club and Crowtrees Methodist Chapel, and it was not returned to the trustees until 1949.
People have until Tuesday, December 2 to comment on the planning application, which can be views on the planning portal of Calderdale Council’s website by searching for reference number 25/01003/FUL.
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