A 19th century chapel with its own graveyard could get a new lease of life as a family home, if plans are approved.

Coton Methodist Church, near Whitchurch, was put up for sale last year with a guide price of just £35,000.

A planning application has now been lodged with Shropshire Council revealing the building’s new owners, Mr and Mrs Dennis of Cross Houses, want to extend the chapel to turn it into a two-bed house.

As a condition of the purchase, the graveyard will remain untouched, and will be separated from the residential areas by a new fence.

Mr and Mrs Dennis will be responsible for the upkeep of the graveyard under a 999-year lease, but people visiting the graves will retain a right of access.

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A statement prepared in support of the application by planning agents MossCo LLP says the chapel, which was constructed in 1888 and is considered a non-designated heritage asset, will be sensitively restored.

Original features including the stained-glass windows, iron railings, arch doorway and wall panelling will be retained, and the pulpit could be turned into a kitchen island or part of a staircase.

Pews, benches, floorboards and coat hooks will also be re-used in the renovation, the statement says.

A marble plaque commemorating members of the congregation who died during the First World War will be relocated within the building.

A one-and-a-half storey extension will be added to the rear of the building, replacing a 20th century lean-to.

The new area will contain a gallery level with two bedrooms, while the full double-hight space will be retained in the original part of the chapel.

An access point off the road will be reinstated, with a new driveway alongside the building and around to the rear extension, where a new doorway will be used as the day-to-day access. A three-bay garage will also be constructed.

The statement concludes: “The scheme will bring back the building into vibrant and robust use.

“It is considered that the site is of a sufficient size to accommodate the proposals.

“The extension will not result in a significant loss of garden area and an appropriate level of amenity space will remain.

“The agent considers the alterations are judged to be in scale and character with the original building and of no demonstrable harm in terms of visual impact.

“It is considered that the proposals would generally preserve the character and appearance of the non-designated asset in line with policies, guidance and legislation.”

The planning application will be decided by Shropshire Council.