Retrofit project at York Minster precinct gains consent
York Minster has hailed the positive effects of its Neighbourhood Plan as it plans the delivery of its first low carbon retrofit project.
The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a 15-year policy led approach to create a sustainable future for York Minster and its seven-hectare estate.
In the latest development for its delivery, plans to convert and refurbish 1 Deangate in the Minster Precinct have been given the go-ahead by City of York Council.
The building will become offices and welfare facilities for the Minster’s Visitor Experience staff and volunteers.
It is the third recent major planning consent for renewable energy projects linked to York Minster’s decarbonisation strategy, following permissions for photovoltaic and solar panels on the roofs of the cathedral’s South Quire Aisle and Refectory restaurant.
The 1 Deangate retrofit will see the addition of new technology to an older building and include the latest in sustainable design and performance, including real-time energy use, water efficiency equipment and air-source heat pumps.
It will be fully insulated and include a warm room and double-glazed wooden sliding sash windows in keeping with the building’s original architecture.
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, said: “The redevelopment of 1 Deangate is another major milestone in our journey towards net zero, with other similar projects set to follow as funding allows.
“Retrofitting our historical buildings is supported by a recent report commissioned by the National Trust, Historic England and other leading property organisations which found that improving the energy efficiency of aged properties could reduce carbon emissions from the UK’s buildings by 5% each year, whilst making them cheaper to run.”
Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct at York Minster, added: “Our Neighbourhood Plan has set a trailblazing approach, not only for planning matters, but crucially for enabling us to safeguard the Minster and to create a sustainable future for both the cathedral building and its surrounding Precinct.
“We are extremely proud of the leading role we are playing in challenging the established narrative around the conservation of historic buildings.”
York Minster’s Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management is the pioneer project in the Neighbourhood Plan.
Expected to be completed by mid-2024, it is designed to establish the York Minster Precinct as a world class campus facility for research, education and training in ancient craft skills.
