South Cronulla Uniting Church, which parishioners fought unsuccessfully to keep open, will be converted into homes under plans lodged with Sutherland Shire Council.
Two of the dwellings will be located within the footprint of the heritage listed church building and attached hall.
Another dwelling is proposed in the existing rear hall located behind the church.
Alongside the church, but separated by landscaped open space, will be four more dwellings in a two-storey block with basement parking.
The manse will be demolished.
The heritage-listed church closed its doors for the last time in April last year after serving the area for 90 years.
The local council of the New Beginnings Uniting Church, with the agreement of higher church authorities, decided to sell the property and join with another congregation.
But a parishioner said it would not be practical for older members of the congregation to travel to another church.
The 1800 square metres was expected to sell for about $4 million.
A development application (DA) lodged with the council said the proposal would “provide for a high quality multi-dwelling housing development in close proximity to public transport, open space and community facilities”.
The DA said design adjustments hade been made in response to feedback from council planning staff in a formal pre-DA meeting and the Architectural Review Advisory Panel (ARAP).
Advice had also been received from various experts, including heritage professionals.
“The ARAP Report explained that the proposal was considered to be an interesting project for a small community of dwellings that will bring life to the former church precinct,” the DA said.
The report said each of the dwellings within the existing church and halls would be single storey, with three bedrooms, internal living areas and direct access to outdoor areas.
Stained glass windows would be retained but in some cases modified.
”The proposed modifications to the heritage item are minimal, being primarily to the interior of the existing structures,” the DA said.
“The current property owners desire to conserve and develop the heritage listed property in accordance with Sutherland Shire Council LEP 2015, maintaining its significance within the context of the surrounding local area and providing a new use that will see the ‘life’ of the item extend well into the future,” the DA said.
