A 12th century church on the outskirts of Leicester has come onto the market.

Grade II-listed St Peter’s Church, next to Belgrave Hall and Gardens, in Belgrave, is up for sale for £150,000.

Agent Andrew Granger said the church, which is at the heart of the old village, has the potential to be converted into sympathetic uses ranging from an art gallery or nursery to a medical centre or even another place of worship.

But it does not have planning permission for residential use.

The church sits on a plot of around 0.9 acres, with mature trees lining the boundary, and is being offered for sale, with or without the churchyard.

The sellers have said they would also consider letting the premises.

The building itself includes traditional north and south porches, north and south aisles, a bell tower, nave, vestry, chancel, sanctuary, meeting room and a toilet. In total, it has a floor area of about 4,381 sq ft.

Rupert Harrison, a partner in Andrew Granger and Co’s Loughborough office, said: “The church is close to Leicester city centre with great transport links and would make an excellent investment.

“For hundreds of years, the church was a landmark in the village of Belgrave, hidden away in a tranquil conservation area, surrounded by mature trees, just yards from the city’s bustling Golden Mile.

“The grade II-listed, 12th century stone church has medieval period Gothic architecture and a Victorian vestry.

“For planning purposes, the building is currently classed D1 and could be converted into a gallery, museum, nursery, health facility or similar non-residential use.”

The church is no longer used as a place of worship.

The Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance and Leicester City Council have both agreed a new use to maintain the long-term future of the building.

A planning brief for the site said: “The key issue will be to get a use which could support the long-term upkeep of the building, protect its historic character and significance and which will preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area and the setting of the adjacent listed buildings.

“It is important to appreciate the building was created as a church and was listed as an example of church architecture.

“The retention of its character is integral to maintaining the building’s significance.

“Sympathetic treatment of the interior will be essential to secure Listed Building Consent.

“The churchyard is maintained by Leicester City Council. However, if the churchyard is sold with the church, then the maintenance responsibility will become the owners.”