FIVE apartments could be built on the site of a former chapel in Prudhoe.

A pre-application for five apartments at the Ebenezer Methodist Chapel, West Wylam, has been heard by Prudhoe Town Council.

At a meeting of the authority's planning, contracts and works committee, town councillors agreed to support the application.

The application is for four, two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment with landscaping and car parking.

It is thought the homes, which will be run by Karbon Homes, are for residents over 55.

Public consultation will take place after full plans are drawn up and submitted to Northumberland County Council.

Last year, the Miners Lamp campaigned to buy the site after it was listed for sale.

The West-Wylam-based charity launched a fundraising campaign with the view of creating a new, community hub.

It followed a petition by Prudhoe Town Councillor Russ Greig, also a trustee of the charity, to 'save' the building from development.

At the time, he told the Courant: "The Ebenezer has been at the heart of our community since 1874 until 2015 when services stopped.

"It is one of the few remaining buildings of the old colliery village of West Wylam and is one of the most recognisable buildings as you enter Prudhoe.

"We can not allow one of Prudhoe's historic buildings to be lost forever."

Karbon Homes was contacted for comment.