Town centre church set to be converted into carpet warehouse

Plans have been submitted to change the use of Micklegate Methodist Church from a place of worship to retail premises.

The building closed as a church in August 2024 after being put up for sale, according to the documents.

The owners of Major Floor Coverings plan to move into the building if the scheme is approved.

The company currently operates from a unit nearby at North Baileygate.

A statement prepared on behalf of the firm said: “The applicant and his wife will be the only employees.

“The aim is to purchase a more modern building, to allow the business to expand.”

The building dates back to around a century ago but was part rebuilt in 1968 following a fire.

The scheme includes using around one third of the space inside the premises as a sales area, with the remainder used mainly for storage.

No external changes to the existing building are planned.

Some changes are proposed to the car park to allow vehicles to deliver carpets to the site and for fitters to deliver to customers.

The applicant said the scheme complied with the council’s policy of improving links between Pontefract Castle and the town centre to encourage visitors between both destinations.

The statement also said: “The relocation will allow the expansion of a successful local business.

“Its position, in an edge of centre location, will support rather than undermine the vitality of the town centre.

“The proposal will enhance the area by finding a new use for a redundant building and add an attraction which would encourage footfall through the area.”