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LIBANUS CHAPEL REDEVELOPMENT
Sources: RCT Planning, Cadw, various.
Issued: Thursday, January 20, 2005. 2:15pm.

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A planning application has been submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taff Planning Department for the demolition of Libanus Chapel on Bute Street, Treherbert. The application will be decided during a planning meeting held in March and if successful a second application will be considered regarding permission to build five houses on the land. Both applications have been submitted by Wells & Jones of Cardiff. Although a Grade 2 listed building it would be possible the plans will be granted on safety grounds.

During the past decade the building has remained empty after the members were advised to leave the building due to the state of the structure. Since then the front of the building has developed large cracks spanning the whole building. Stain glass windows have also fallen out due to this movement.

Treherbert Councillor Kevin Morgan: "Libanus Chapel has deteriorated into such a dangerous state that there has been a lot of public concern. It is a shame that the poor condition of the building - as vividly demonstrated by the photographs on TOTW - means that demolition appears to be the only realistic option, though local people now have the opportunity to express their views about that proposal.

If the chapel is demolished, there will be further public consultation regarding any proposal for after use of the site, which of course is not owned by the Council. I am aware that there have in recent times been several expressions of interest to develop the site, but as ever, raising the necessary funds, especially by a public sector organisation, makes it very difficult. I have made enquiries of the Planning Department and I was told that there is likely to be an early planning application - I don't know from whom - for some houses to be built there. I would be interested to know how people feel about that.

My only personal memory of the Chapel is when I was a Rhondda Borough Councillor in the 1980s. My Ward colleague, the late Gwyn Rees, was Mayor of Rhondda in 1987/88 and he held his Civic Service there. It was a colourful occasion and a lovely sunny day. I hope that that's the sort of memory others will have of such a grand old building."

Treherbert Councillor Jeff Williams: "I don't want to see it go but there is no point keeping it in the state that it is. It's a miracle that nobody has been injured. It's been left to rot, its totally unsafe. Everybody would be sorry to see it go but I'm hopeful that nobody will get injured before it could come down. It's very sad."

Problems with the building were first recored in 1905: "the facade with broken pediment; this was subsequently replaced (1924 or 1944) by a hipped roof with gablet." reported CADW.

The Chapel was built during 1839 and the first service was held on January 22 the following year. A responce from CADW, the historic environment agency, is still being awaiting. No local residents wished to comment.

Interior design on the Libanus ceiling.