CHAPEL leaders are looking to improve access into the building, remove a boiler house to reduce concerns over cracking to the chapel and treat damp.

The work is earmarked for the Grade One listed Brook Street Unitarian Chapel in Knutsford.

Listed building consent is being sought from Cheshire East Council for the scheme, which involves improving the access into the chapel to improve level access for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled visitors.

Work would also be undertaken to remove a later boiler house built against the west wall of the 17th century chapel, and to introduce a French drain to reduce internal damp.

A report with the application said: “The committee has been exploring the possibility of improving level access into the chapel, with the last improvements making substantial improvements in 2010 when lift access was provided to the chapel via the school room, giving level access for the first time in the chapel’s history.

“The improvements at the chapel threshold have however remained unsuitable. In tandem with this exploration, installation of a new efficient boiler has rendered the external boiler house redundant.

“There is also continued damp due to the ground levels around the chapel. A French drain was previously installed to the south elevation with success, however the west elevation remains problematic, affecting prayer books and furniture.

“All proposals have a level of impact on the significance of the building, however none of the items comprise substantial harm.

“Removal of the boiler house will have a positive impact on the chapel.

“Removal will reveal the original west elevation of the chapel, enhancing the aesthetic of the site and allow repairs to be undertaken on removal of modern embedded steelwork.

“Provision of a new French drain system will provide high benefit for the condition of the building fabric.

“Although the excavation has potential to disturb burials, chapel records will be consulted, and an archaeological watching brief established with method statements before commencing the works.

“The alterations to the chapel approach will have the highest impact on the setting of the building, however the need is high.

“The alterations will have a positive impact in the continued use of the chapel for its original purpose and ensure the continued vibrancy of the site.

“Unitarian values include inclusivity, and universal access to the building is as important today as the interior arrangement of the chapel was at its inception.”