St George's Church in Thornton Hough is set to be converted into four residential units after Wirral Council approved the plans. The Grade-II listed church, completed in the early 1900s, sits on a triangular plot in the centre of the historic model village, surrounded by the village's primary school, village hall, and the Seven Stars pub.
Church's history and proposal
The church was described in the plans as "a gift to the village" by Lord Leverhulme. In late 2024, plans were submitted to Wirral Council seeking permission to change the site's use from 'place of worship' to 'residential'. Almost two years later, the plans have received the green light.
The proposals state: "The formation of four smaller independent units, each with its separate entrance was a key design driver of the proposal." Each unit will have its own private entrance, with no common spaces in the site.
Design considerations and concerns
The plans add that if the building were to be converted into one unit, it would likely have "six or so bedrooms, utility room, cinema room, sitting room, study, cloak room, games room, gym et cetera."
Historic England raised concerns during the planning process, stating that while they "fully support securing a new use for St George's", the proposals "come at a high cost to the significance of this important building's intact interior." Following their suggestions, a full recording of the building's interior will be undertaken.
Approval decision
The council's decision notice explained the plans have been approved, stating: "The public benefits are considered to outweigh the identified harm." It also says the proposals signify "the optimal viable use for this building."
