The group behind plans to transform an unused church into an artisan bakery and cafe have submitted plans to Herefordshire Council for the next stage of the workconvert an historic church near Ross-on-Wye into an artisan bakery and cafe.

Church Commissioners closed the Brampton Abbotts parish church of St Michael and All Angels in 2008.

At the time, the roof of the grade II* listed Norman building was deemed unsafe and its repair cost was estimated to be about £300,000.

However, the Diocese of Hereford formed a partnership with Brampton Abbotts Church Regeneration Group, The Daily Bread, a local community interest company set up to ensure the building is able to enjoy a second life as a community space and home to a local business.

The next phase of The Daily Bread is to re-order the inside of the church to make it more usable and accessible for all. They propose to install much needed services and facilities, such as mains water, a toilet, a kitchenette, storage space. BAcRG are requesting permission to remove and re-use the pews to open up the Nave and to make it a more flexible and community friendly space.

The Chancel will remain almost the same as now, with only minor alterations to the choir stalls, retaining it as a sacred space with all the history it holds. The Vestry will be converted into space for the artisan bakery with the necessary services, ventilation and hygienic floors and walls.

The budget cost for the next phase of works is approximately £250k including VAT and fees. BAcRG is now actively seeking funding to deliver the project subject to agreeing lease terms for the building and the car park and securing planning permission.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here