19th Century church in Castleford to be converted into family home
Wakefield Council has approved proposals to turn Hightown Parish Church All Saints in Castleford into a family home.
Last updated 9th Sep 2026
A former church in Castleford which was built in 1864 is to be converted into a five-bedroom house.
Wakefield Council has approved proposals to turn Hightown Parish Church All Saints in Castleford into a family home.
The building, on Lumley Street, closed as a formal place of worship in July 2024 due to its “dwindling congregation.”
Council planners gave the green light to an application by Daniel Bentley to change the building’s use from a place of worship to a residential dwelling.
A heritage statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “The conversion secures a viable, long-term future for this local heritage asset through a sympathetic design that safeguards its character and craftsmanship.”
The scheme includes the partial demolition of an adjoining church hall to allow it to be converted into a garage and workshop.
The report said many of the original features of the church would be retained, with internal changes being made “only where necessary to create a functional dwelling.”
A new mezzanine level will be constructed within the building to provide three en-suite bedrooms.
The statement added: “The proposal guarantees that the building’s historic external envelope remains almost entirely unaltered.
“Internally, the scheme adopts a highly sensitive approach to the historic fabric by retaining key architectural detailing and significant ecclesiastical features, such as the original font.
“The characteristic stained-glass windows will be carefully preserved in situ and enhanced with protective secondary glazing.
“The bell tower and clock will be retained unchanged, with the bells and clock preserved.
“The small area of commemorative stones to the front of the church will be retained and maintained. Visitors to these will have full access.”
The council’s conservation officer welcomed the scheme, saying it would “allow the retention of the significant features of the building in a relatively low-impact manner.”
The Church of England (C of E) also submitted a letter supporting the development, saying it had put forward proposals in 2022 to close four churches within the parish.
The letter said: “The rationale for these proposals highlighted that the four dwindling congregations in the parish could no longer sustain four church buildings within the area.”
The C of E said pastoral care was now delivered from All Saints Church, on Church Street, less than a mile away from the site.
The letter added: “There remains a commitment to maintaining a Christian presence in Castleford.
“A new team rector joined the parish in April, and there is an aspiration to enhance community activities once funding becomes available.”
A council officer’s report said: “The principle of development is considered to be acceptable, and the loss of the church is deemed to be justified in this instance.
“The proposals are also considered to be appropriate in relation to design and heritage impact, climate change, residential amenity and highway safety.”