New
Extension
In
2008 mains water was installed, our first step towards
the provision of much needed toilet facilities in the
Church for children and adults. The proposed extension
would provide for this, together with a meeting room,
a kitchen and necessary additional storage space.
The meeting room would provide a space for young children
during services giving families the chance to belong and
contribute to church life; enable the congregation to
meet informally after services for tea and coffee with
newcomers and visitors and allow small groups to meet
in a beautiful environment.
Some may not use the church very often – maybe not
at all. But the church has stood in Apuldram for around
900 years and it is an important part of the village scene,
making an impressive and attractive contribution to our
landscape. Apuldram without its church just wouldn’t
be Apuldram.
The meeting room and its facilities would be available
for community use and to the many visitors who contribute
to the upkeep of the church. It would allow more events
to be held at the church and would be a practical way
to ensure that St Mary’s remained an open church
and not a redundant church.
Report
following the open meeting of 9 September 2008
The Proposed Church Extension was discussed at the meeting
on Tuesday 9 September, held at St Mary’s. The parishioners
enjoyed a glass of wine while Clive Ashley welcomed them
to the meeting and explained the reasons for the much
needed extension to the Church. Douglas Briggs, the church
architect, said that the plans, which had been prepared
in conjunction with the sub-committee, would benefit not
only the parishioners but also the community, and would
ensure that St Mary's remained an open church.
It became clear as a result of suggestions from the floor
that the plans needed some amendments, and these will
be incorporated prior to applying for Planning permission
to Chichester District Council at the end of the year.
It was estimated that the project will cost about £100,000,
and Graham Pound explained that it was planned to set
up a charity, Friends of St Mary's Church, Apuldram, to
raise funds for the extension and also to offer support
in other ways. A letter had been sent to Apuldram Parish
asking for a grant towards the project, and once the plans
were approved numerous other sources of funds would be
explored. Graham said that he would welcome any suggestions
as to sources of funding.
Apuldram
Parish Meeting 27 November 2008
Following discussion at the Parish Meeting it was agreed
that a letter should be circulated to all residents of
Apuldram asking whether they considered the Apuldram Parish
Meeting should agree to support the proposed extension
to St Mary's Church.
January
2009
Following the consultation the majority of residents were
in favour of supporting the proposed extension and the
Parish Meeting will in due course make a limited grant
towards the proposed extension in order to assist the
fund raising from outside sources. In the meantime the
Architects are looking at the possible need for an arboreal
survey prior to submitting the agreed plans to the Council
for Planning permission. Obtaining permission is likely
to take about three months and then approval will be sought
from the Diocesan Advisory Committee.
April
2009
In order to ensure that building work would not damage
the root system of a lime tree, an arboreal survey has
been carried out. Some pruning is required, after which
plans will be submitted to Chichester District Council.
September
2009
Prior to lodging the application for Planning Consent
with Chichester District Countil, the architects have
submitted pre-application enquiries with Chichester Harbour
Conservancy, WSCC Hightways, Chichester District Council
and English Heritage. Once responses from these third
parties have been received and any issues "ironed-out"
planning consent will be applied for.
December
2009
At the end of the month the application for the extension
was lodged by the architects with Chichester District
Council. A decision is expected to be reached within 8
weeks.
