Repair works 'essential' to preserving Grade II listed Newport church battling wet rot and Deathwatch beetles

According to the Diocese of Shrewsbury, the Grade II listed church is facing a host of issues, including a "multitude of defects" to the roof that have caused wet rot damage to internal timbers, which are also now in need of repair.

In addition, a survey of the timber within the presbytery has revealed an infestation by common furniture beetles and evidence of an infestation by Deathwatch beetles.

The plans also include a "like-for-like" replacement of the orangery, which is "suffering from significant general decay".

It's proposed that the timber structure be removed and items of specific historic interest - such as the stained glass windows - be preserved and reinstated in the replacement structure.

The application warns: "The replacement orangery is necessitated by the general decay of the existing timber structure as a whole, with any prolonged delays in its replacement increasing the risk of further structural defects and the potential damage to recoverable elements such as stained-glass windows that could otherwise be preserved through its reconstruction.

"The primary focus of all proposed works is in the best interest of the church to ensure the preservation of its architectural and historical integrity. By conducting these essential works, it will ensure the longevity of the building and maintaining its historical importance as reflected by Historic England on its Grade II Listed status."

The church was built onto the 15th century Salters Hall in the mid-1800s and once served as home to the first Bishop of Shrewsbury.

Today, it contains a series of five large 20th century stained-glass windows designed and made by Margaret Rope, a stained glass artist of the Arts and Crafts movement.

A previous application, which was submitted last year, was later rejected after Telford & Wrekin Council planning officers determined the works would not protect the "special character" of the building.

The decision followed objections to the plan by heritage specialists who said that the proposed use of chemical treatments was "wholly unnecessary and is not conservation best practices".

They added: "The wholesale replacement of the orangery’s joinery is particularly regrettable. Every effort should be made to retain as much historic building fabric as possible".

The latest application is available to view online on Telford & Wrekin Council's planning portal using reference number TWC/2025/0144.