Updated 13/11/25
Demolition of Chapel – Chron
Updated 9/11/25..
As we move into the final stages for the Chapel updates will appear at the top of this page.( History & previous updates are given below).
10/11/25
I made a visit to the chapel and spoke with a representative of the builders, we looked at some issues. CLICK HERE
All articles of local interest have been removed from the site, or will be very soon, such as signage.
Karbon Homes – Update CLICK HERE
Barriers go up around the chapel prior to demolition starting – CLICK HERE
—————
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
An onlne and paper petition were made available by local residents to object to the building being demolished, – See below.
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 have a further discussion with Karbon , and seek an update from then about their intentions.
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.
31st May 2024 Karbon have provided an update- CLICK HERE
11/6/2024
Karbon online consultation CLICK HERE
17/6/24
Karbon event at The Manors – I attended the event and listened to many residents.
The petition was handed in.
Chronicle report- CLICK HERE
Planning process – NO planning application has been submitted 20/6/24
There are currently no planning applications with NCC for this site. (2/6/24)
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.
I will as always provide information when I can.
11/7/24
I have written to the Prudhoe Community Partnership asking that the PCP Trustees reconsider their decision to support the demolition of this much loved and important chapel in the heart of the #PrudhoeCommunity
And to work with me to find a solution.
So what now ?
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.
6/9/24
Planning application for demolition of the chapel has been submitted.
Update 20/12/24
The application has been recommended for approval.
Because of this I have used my authority to request that the matter is not sanctioned by a Planning officer but is brought before a planning committee.
I have given reasons for this- Local public interest.
I will obviously attending the meeting and taking part.
It is expected that the decision will be made on the day of the meeting.
See when / where – CLICK HERE
The above link will be be updated early in January, the venue will probably be Dene Park House Hexham
Planning applications are a legal process and a strict process is adhered to, which may appear complicated to some.
If you have any queries regarding this or any other in my ward, please contact me.
14/1/25 Application for demolition & new housing to be built is approved CLICK HERE (Via Chronicle)
The applicant has said that following the approval they will act quickly.
As always we will provide any updates.
6/11/25
Demolition is about to start CLICK HERE
Prudhoe Matters 