News
Cost concerns see council reject listed building plan for historic shelter
Thursday 21 August 2008
The cabman's shelter is a familiar site on the square
"I don't know what the architectural merits of a wooden shed are" Coun David Parnaby ADVERTISEMENTRIPON City Council says it will not support a plan to obtain listed building status for the cabman's shelter on the market square.
City council members made the decision at a meeting on Monday evening where it was revealed English Heritage has received an application to have the wooden structure listed.
The application was submitted by Ripon Civic Society which says it did so in an attempt to safeguard the future of the wooden structure.
The cabman's shelter was given to the council by Ripon Civic Society and the council is now responsible for it's maintenance.
The subject divided the council on Monday, with some feeling the hut was worthy of protection while others raised concerns over maintenance costs should listed status be obtained.
Coun Jeremy Banyard described the shelter as an iconic structure in Ripon while fellow councillor, Pauline McHardy said: "It's a feature of Ripon whether listed or not and should be maintained."
Lumbered
However, Coun David Parnaby said: "I am concerned because if it becomes listed this council will become lumbered for ever with maintaining it. He went on: "I don't know what the architectural merits of a wooden shed are and I don't know how it's been described to English Heritage but it's not an architectural beauty."
Former Mayor of Ripon, Coun Andrew Williams added: "While we consider it to be an important part of the square, there are far more historic structures which visitors want to see. But the council is committed to ensuring the shelter is maintained in a reasonable condition."
Before the vote, members were warned if the shelter became listed, maintenance costs could soar with any repair work having to be historically accurate and done within strict guidelines.
Speaking after the meeting, David Winpenny, of Ripon Civic Society, said you only had to look at the shelter to know it was not being maintained
Protected
"We want to see it listed because it's an important structure," he said. "Getting it listed is one way of making sure it's protected in the future."
Ripon City Council can now make representations against the application but the final decision will be in the hands of the secretary of sate for culture, media and sport.
