A father and son have failed to force a council to buy their unique chapel which is on English Heritage’s at-risk register.

Bernard Hartley and his son,Matthew, have owned the Grade 11 listed Providence Chapel in Stone Street, Cranbrook, for 10 years. They have been unable to convert it into a more suitable use because the listing means the pews cannot be removed from the building.

They were allowed to keep a large collection of books in the building but projects, including a restaurant and art gallery, were rejected by planners.

The two challenged Tunbridge Wells council to buy the 18th century three-storey property but a planning inspector, on behalf of Hazal Blears, communities and local government secretary, has dismissed the application.

Mr Hartley senior, who lives in Walkhurst Road, Benenden, said: “We are still catching our breath. We thought we had a really good case but this decision offers us no hope.”

Mr Hartley said some time ago they had got change of use to a concert hall but had not pursued it because the pews were very uncomfortable and too close together.

He added: “We are in talks with Tunbridge Wells about our next step. Two years ago they did offer a 50 per cent grant towards exterior repairs which at that time were about £100,000. It never came to anything but we will be looking at it again.

“We never thought the hearing would end like this. I do think the resistance to the removal of the pews is ludicrous.”