The Duchy Residents Association - Harrogate North Yorkshire UK

Very important planning application,
Large electricity sub-station in St Wilfrid’s Church grounds

An extremely important planning application has been made for a new electricity sub-station on land behind and to the side of St Wilfrid’s Church, Duchy Road.  This is a very sensitive site and it is vital to understand that the proposed building would to stand about 25 metres from St Wilfrid’s CHURCH. We must ensure an enduringly, pleasing neighbour, is designed and constructed to the highest  standards. 
 
THE CLOCK IS ALREADY TICKING
YOU HAVE JUST THREE WEEKS TO TELL HARROGATE BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT
WHAT YOU CONSIDER WORTHY OF STANDING ALONGSIDE THIS BEAUTIFUL, A GRADE 1-LISTED CHURCH

To help clarify the description below, please view and/or print Diagrams A1 and A2 - please click the links shown below:

Diagram A1

Diagram A2

The sub-station proposed is a gently curved building of striking modern design, the height at each end being the same as the verger’s cottage to the east of the St Wilfrid’s complex. Its concave front mirrors the curve of the church lawn, and the rear is convex. The roof, also curved and dipping between either end, will be constructed of ribbed zinc sheeting.

Visuals of Proposed Sub-Station

Visual 1 - Sub-Station facing Church

Visual 2 - West End of Sub-Station

Visual 3 - Rear of Sub-Station

Not everyone will agree with this novel concept, but I believe it is much the best design for this essential structure. I am confident that, provided important standards are achieved, it will compliment the wonderful Church and its ancillary buildings bequeathed to us by past generations.
 
I have been through the plans with the proverbial toothcomb and my comments follow on from this letter. I urgently ask you to find time to study these pages and then send your own comments to the address below. Briefing notes and diagrams are shown below.
 
If we can ALL act swiftly, insisting  on only  the finest  materials, detailing and finishing, then for decades to come people will say that the determination of  the people of the Duchy ensured that what might have been a humdrum  industrial construction  was transformed into  an admirable foil to the wonderful church that is St Wilfrid’s. Our generation will have done its job well.
 
Your letters should be headed with the references below and be sent to:

Briefing Notes and Diagrams

[All Links Open in a New Window]

Briefing Notes	Diagram A1	Diagram A2
Diagram B1	Diagram B2	Diagram B3
Diagram C	Diagram D1	Diagram D2