Updated 15/5/24
History
The Ebenezer Chapel was built in 1874 shortly after the Mickley Coal Company took over the colliery at West Wylam in the 1860’s.
The chapel has played a significant role in the lives of the community and served the mining community of West Wylam until the colliery closed in 1961.
Ebenezer Chapel remained following the demolition of the old colliery cottages and continued as a chapel until 2015 when it held its last service.
The Chapel is one of Prudhoe’s most recognisable buildings as you enter the town from the East.
Prudhoe has had many Methodist Chapels throughout its history, on the site of the current Spetchells, Herons, Glendinning’s Garage and on Adderlane Road. The Ebenezer is the last remaining.
23rd February 2021 – Hexham Courant report Prudhoe community plea to save The Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in West Wylam from redevelopment
17th August 2022 – Chronicle report Plans revealed to turn historic Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in Prudhoe into new homes
!st March 2023 – Chronicle report – First pictures of plan to build affordable flats at Prudhoe’s Ebenezer Methodist Chapel
PCP Newsletter sent April 2024 (Part of)
1st May 2024 Press
Courant – Click here Flat plans for Prudhoe’s Ebenezer Methodist Chapel met with fury
BBC – Click here Victorian chapel threatened in new flats plan
Chronicle Click here Outcry as 150-year-old Northumberland chapel could be demolished to make way for flats
Planning process
There are currently no planning applications with NCC for this site. (15/5/24)
Permission is needed for the demolition of such a building and then construction of a new one.
When a planning application is submitted a process takes place with statutory bodies being consulted , the town council and the public.
Notices to raise public awareness are arranged by the planning officers.
In most cases of this type the application will be referred to a committee made up of County Cllrs, they will be provided with a range of documents, the opinion of the NCC planning officers and also legal guidance,
There are several reasons why someone can object to an application.
Please see the link provided for further information.
Information about the planning process – CLICK HERE
Details of previous planning applications in relation to this property – CLICK HERE
Petition (Updated from original launched in 2021)
Check out the petition online CLICK HERE
There is also a paper version, available at The Manors, Nisa West Wylam & the Miners lamp.
On the 1st May 2024 I met two senior representatives of Karbon who were fully appraised about the situation.
They reiterated that there were no current plans submitted, and have agreed to hold an event locally in June ? (date o be finalised) where the public can hear more details and ask questions.
I will as always provide information when I can.
On Saturday the 4th May 2024 I held a street surgery at the Chapel which gave the public an opportunity to ask me any questions and give their view.
Later that day and on several other days I called to many houses in the area and asked for resident views
Neither of these form part of formal consultation, but helping people to give their initial thoughts and consider matters in their own time.
I am also in contact with other interested parties, they do not wish to have info made public at this time.
I have had messages from residents and other people relating to this matter.
So what now ?
I will have a further discussion with Karbon in the next couple of weeks, and seek an update from then about their intentions.
I will work with them to ensure a public presentation takes place locally.
I will also work with anyone who may wish to develop a plan for the future of the Chapel.
If a planning application is submitted I would not expect this to take place until autumn 2024 and any decision by the planning dept not before the spring of next year.
Prudhoe Matters 