NEW life could be breathed into a rural chapel under new proposals to convert it into a house.

Plans have been submitted to transform the former Saron Chapel in the village of Nantyr, which is set in the hills above Glyn Ceiriog in Wrexham.

The stone and slate building closed in May 2016 because of dwindling congregation numbers and was put on the market for £70,000, still containing a number of original features including its wooden pews and pulpit.

Proposals have now been entered to turn the property into a new home with a living room, kitchen, bedroom and en-suite bathroom to the ground floor and master bedroom on the first floor.

However, Wrexham Council's senior flood management officer has raised concerns about the potential flooding at the site.

In a letter written in response to the application, Neil Taunt said: "Natural Resources Wales' updated flood map for surface water does identify a risk of surface water flooding to the site, and we hold a number of reports of surface water and rapid flash flooding in the immediate vicinity of the site.

"No information has been included within the application considering the potential sources of flooding to the site, or proposing any mitigation that may be beneficial in this instance.

"If this information is not forthcoming I would recommend the application be refused as it has not been demonstrated that flood risk can be acceptably managed for future users of the site."

A congregation of more than 60 people packed the chapel for its final service.

The building was constructed in 1883 with stone from Plas Lleucu, a nearby farm.

It closed its doors after congregation numbers declined because of a combination of bereavement, illness and members moving to Glyn Ceiriog to retire.