Geograph - photograph every grid square

Mount Zion Church in Quarriers Village has been the centre of a heated debate over the last few years. The Proposal to convert the church (built in 1888) into 12 luxury flats by The Burrell Company/Premier Burrell has been met with defiance from the local village community and former children of Quarriers Village. The children's charity Quarriers says it cannot afford maintenance costs.

For more details of the Save the Quarrier's Church campaign see:

Save The Church

Former Boys and Girls Association

All about Quarriers - historical info: William Quarrier

Some of the buildings are stunning: Quarriers Village Buildings

The Burrell Company/Premier Burrel: Premier Burrell News.
Although Premier Burrell state on their website (1st March 2004) that planning permission for the development has been submitted, they appear not to have heard (or not show on their site) that planning has been refused (8th Apr 2005). And time is running out for an appeal (8th Oct 2005). Website shows development status as: Available Late 2006??
Pressing Ahead?.

There is another application currently (at time of writing - Aug 2005) with the planning department but this was submitted the week or so before the original 2003 application was refused. The planning laws are highly complex and it remains to be seen what might happen with this one.

It's a lovely building and many think it should be preserved. Mount Zion is believed to be eligible for help from a new Heritage Lottery Fund (Repair Grants for Places of Worship). Churches in Paisley and Greenock have already received substantial sums.