Decision made on future of former high street bank

Plans were submitted to turn the Sutton high street building into a church

A former bank in Sutton high street could be turned into a church, after plans for the project were given the go-ahead.

Proposals submitted on behalf of The New Life in Christ Ministry - The Lord’s Parish show there will be no dramatic changes to the building at 1-3 Outram Street, next to the former Wilko store.

The church would be open on Sundays from 10am-2pm.

In its application to Ashfield District Council, the church said it was ‘important to be in a location where the local community can have easy access and the church can provide charitable community outreach’.

Much of the interior of the building will remain the same. An old bank vault will be used as storage for musical instruments.

A lounging area, kitchen and male and female bathrooms will also be retained, the application confirmed.

The application was approved on December 5 and the work must be completed within three years.

In its approval notice, Ashfield District Council said: “The decision to grant permission has been taken having regard to the policies and proposals in the Ashfield Local plan Review (2002) and all relevant material considerations, including Supplementary Planning Guidance.”