Vacant Chapels

Cornwall Council Vacant Chapels

Cornwall Council are offering a further 12 dis-used chapels and cemetery buildings to the market that are no longer required for the running of the cemetery, which continues to be open to the general public and we are therefore looking for businesses to take on the property in order to re-purpose them. 

The buildings are advertised as seen, requiring extensive repairs which will be the responsibility of the winning tenderer to undertake in order to bring the buildings up to a good and compliant standard. To minimise the possibility of disturbance, service lines (if not there already) should be laid under existing pathways if possible and should be included within the schedule of works. 

All the chapels are being offered on a 15 year lease Subject to negotiation) and subject to a rent free period in recognition of the works required. The tenderer will be expected to get all necessary planning consents for their works and intended use of the property.

Planning Considerations

When you are drawing up conversion plans you will need to consider how these will fit in with the character of the building and its environment.

Normal planning, listed building and conservation area controls apply to different buildings. Planning permission will usually be needed for a change of use and listed building consent for any significant alterations to a listed building. You should contact the local planning officer to discuss your proposals as soon as possible.

What are we looking for: Businesses that are tasteful and respectful to the location

• Undertakers, chapel of rest, florists, creative arts, community projects, health, storage etc

We are not looking for

• Uses inappropriate to the location such as residential conversions, pubs, creches etc

Please follow the link to read more about Darren's Story at Barnoon Chapel.  

Viewings

Any interested parties are invited to attend the open days.

Please note these are the final open day viewings.

Submitting a Tender

The tender will close at noon on Thursday 27th February 2025. 

If you are interested in submitting a tender for any of the above properties, please click here to download a tender pack and our Heads of Terms. 

Business Plan

You can find guidance on writing a business plan and what to include on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/write-business-plan

Schedule of works

A full specification and plans to be approved by the Landlord (in capacity of landlord and not planning permission) to be provided with before and after plans showing the works and an accompanying detailed specification.

In regard to the detailed specification of works these will need to include:

• Detailed scaled plans clearly showing the proposed alterations. These will need to include a description of the proposed construction methods, finishes and contractors methodology.
• Section details of the proposed alterations showing the construction.
• A detailed specification for the work which should include:
• Building services drawings and a schedule of works if the level of detail calls for this.
• Structural details which should include:
• Structural Engineer’s calculations and design drawings if there are any works which will affect the structure.
• Contractors Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
• Work methodology especially if the works affect neighbouring units.
• On completion of the works the contractor must provide Cornwall Council with all appropriate certification i.e Electrical Minor Work Certificate, Building Control Certificate, Planning etc.

Tender Scoring

Your application will be scored and undergo an internal review. We will aim to respond to all applicants with the outcome of the review by the end April 2025.