PLANNING permission has been granted to turn a former Methodist church in Cheriton Fitzpaine into a community shop, cafe and social space.

The village’s current community shop opened in a cabin next to the church in 2018 two years after the previous post office and shop shut its doors.

Temporary planning permission for the cabin runs out in November, and the shop's lease in December 2027.

Villagers came up with a plan to raise money to buy the old church, move the shop inside and open a cafe and multi-purpose hub.

Now that Mid Devon District Council has granted them planning permission, the project can begin.

A community share offer launched last year raised as much as £106,100 from 224 supporters.

That sum, together with a grant of £50,000 from Cooperatives UK, meant the church could be bought and some refurbishments carried out. A purchase price was agreed in January.

An estimated £275,000 is needed for the whole project. More grant funding can be sought later.

The former Methodist church closed in 2024 due to a dwindling and aging congregation.

The approval of the plans also means the cabin can be turned into a meeting space, and toilets and air conditioning can be installed in the church.

“The application for the change of use of Methodist chapel to community shop, social space, cafe and toilets; installation of air conditioning units; and change of use of existing shop to meeting space is considered acceptable in policy terms,” said a Mid Devon District Council spokesperson.

“The proposal seeks to redevelop the existing community shop which will provide a local community benefit.

“No impacts are believed to arise in regard to the character and appearance of the conservation area, residential amenity, ecology/ biodiversity, land drainage/ flood risk or highway safety.”

The community shop in the cabin is currently open six days a week and stocks everyday essentials, newspapers, stamps, cards, fresh vegetables, frozen food and other items. A mobile post office visits the village’s parish hall twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Community Shop Chair Mike Porter said previously: “Not only will the purchase of the chapel retain a vital resource in the village, but it will also enable the creation of a larger shop together with a cafe, art/ craft space and heritage centre.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can see the application on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 26/00128/FULL.