MPCP(20)28 Church Commissioners
Mission, Pastoral and Church Property Committee
Closed Church of Croglin St John (Diocese of Carlisle)
Representations Concerning a draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme
Note by Harvey Howlett
Summary
(i) The Committee is invited to consider one representation against and one letter of comment concerning a draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme providing for the sale of the closed church building of Croglin St John and part of the annexed land for residential use.
(ii) The representors against strongly objects to the conversion of the church building because of the impact on the surrounding open churchyard. He argues that the church’s desire for capital is being put in front of the wishes of the dead and that there is a distinct lack of respect being shown to those buried who are under the protection of the church.
(iii) The letter of comment from the Parish Council notes that whilst the Council would have preferred to see the building remain in community use there has not been sufficient interest from within the local community to take on a project of this kind.
(iv) The Diocese has confirmed that they wish the draft Scheme to proceed notwithstanding the representation. The Dioceses recognise that they have a responsibility of care and respect to those buried in the churchyard, and to their families, but that there is similarly a statutory responsibility laid on them to secure a suitable and sustainable future for the church building itself. They argue that the proposed scheme successfully resolves the tension in handling these competing responsibilities, through keeping to an absolute minimum the area of land sold with the church and ensuring that there is appropriate access into the retained churchyard for visitors and on the occasion of new burials.
(v) The case has been examined by the Committee’s case sifting representatives who agreed the case should be considered on the papers alone.
(vi) In considering the representations, the Committee will need to have regard to the legislative requirement as to the suitability of what is being
1 proposed. If the Committee considers the proposed use to be suitable in principle, it is still possible that the use might be unsuitable in the particular circumstances of this building because of its location or other factors relating to the impact of the use. These could include the potential for disruption and disturbance of the surrounding churchyard.
(vii) The main issues to be considered are therefore, as follows:
• Is the proposed use of the building residential use a “suitable” use within the meaning of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011? • Are the concerns expressed in the representation against the draft Scheme of such substance and weight that the proposed use is to be considered unsuitable for the building in this location? • Will the proposals, taken as a whole, support the furtherance of the mission of the Church of England?
Recommendation
The Committee is invited to consider the representations and the issues set out in this report and, in the light of these, whether the draft Scheme should proceed.
2 Introduction
1. The Committee is invited to consider one representation against and one letter of comment received concerning a draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme providing for the sale of the closed church building of Croglin St Johnin the Diocese of Carlisle and part of the annexed land for educational, cultural and community purposes
2. St John’s is a small Grade II Listed Victorian church building constructed of local red sandstone underneath a graduated green slate roof standing within a rural village in the picturesque Eden valley to the south-east of Carlisle, flanked by the Pennines to the east and within the North Pennines Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB).
3. The present church building replaced an earlier medieval building. The most prominent feature is the gabled double belcote at the west end, with a clock face and two lancets beneath. The interior of the church is whitewashed, with plain softwood benches and choir stalls.
4. The building stands in a well-buried churchyard and occupies a sloping site, bounded by a drystone wall. Under the current proposals the churchyard will continue to be used as a burial ground and maintained by the parochial church council, with the existing access arrangements being retained.
5. Due to a decline in the size of the congregation, St John’s was closed for regular public worship in April 2012. Early proposals for the appropriation of the building to residential use were consulted on in 2014 and 2015, but following the submission of representations the Diocese decided to allow time for the Parish Council and local residents to investigate the possibility of a community use being secured for St John’s. In the event such a use has not been forthcoming, and the current residential proposal has resulted from the recent further marketing of the property.
6. Attached are:
Annex A Background to the case;
Annex B The report on the church building by the Church Buildings Council and the advice of the Statutory Advisory Committee;
Annex C A copy of the draft Scheme and accompanying note which includes a site plan;
Annex D A copy of the letter referring the representations to the Bishop together the response from the Diocese;
Annex R A copy of the representations; and
Annex S Supplementary Comments (if any).
3 Representations Received
7. Following the publication of the draft Scheme in February 2020 the Commissioners received one representation against and one letter of comment.
8. The representation against the proposals comes from Mr George Ritchie, who had previously represented against earlier similar proposals affecting the church and re-affirmed his earlier strong objection to the appropriation of the building to residential use. He argues that those buried in the churchyard have a right to rest in peace. He argues that the church’s desire for capital is being put in front of the wishes of the dead and that there is a distinct lack of respect being shown to those buried who are under the protection of the church. He argues that the churchyard should be left as it is and asks whether the people who have plots in Croglin, those currently buried there and those to be buried there, would have purchased them if there was a house in the graveyard instead of a church.
9. The note from the Chairman of Ainstable Parish Council expresses thanks for giving the local community time to try and find a use for the building. He notes that whilst the Council would have preferred to see the building remain in community use there has not been sufficient interest from within the local community to take on a project of this kind.
10. Copies of the representations are attached at Annex R.
Diocesan Response to the Representations
11. Following normal practice, a copy of the representations was sent to the Bishop of Carlisle to seek his comments. A copy of the letter referring the representations to the Bishop together with a copy of the response, sent on the Bishop’s behalf are attached at Annex D.
12. The response sets out the background and history of marketing the building, including consultations with the local planning authority and with Ainstable Parish Council. The Diocese explains that, whilst many people place a high value on the peace and tranquillity of a church and its associated churchyard, churches have quite often been the centre of village life and a hub of community activity. The response argues that It does not seem inappropriate that a church building should be fully used for a variety of purposes beyond purely ‘ecclesiastical’ ones, nor that this would be disrespectful to those who are buried nearby.
13. The Diocese has set out the belief that at least a small area of outdoor space is a desirable element in residential accommodation, although in the case of St John’s an attempt has been made to keep this to the absolute minimum in line with the local planning authority’s advice. However they write that the quiet nature of the open churchyard will be respected by virtue of the fact that only a very small area of land at the rear of the church building would be made available for domestic use. To all intents and purposes the view of the churchyard from the main road would remain unaffected by a residential use 4 of the property. The Diocese also makes suggestions for the Commissioners as to covenants which would ensure outdoor activity in the residential part ceased when funerals are taking place, provided appropriate notice has been given in advance to the occupiers of the former church.
14. The Diocese notes that the Church of England is required to secure an appropriate future use for those buildings which may no longer be required pastorally or for regular public worship and argues that, in fulfilling this responsibility, they are contributing to the mission of the Church of England. In the case of St John’s, they write that the proposal will ensure that this important heritage asset will be preserved and funds from the sale of the property will be applied to the mission of the Church of England at the diocesan level.
15. The Diocese notes that proposals enable the churchyard to continue in use including the annual Remembrance Service around the war memorial in the churchyard and unrestricted access for the purpose of visiting and tending graves.
16. The end noting that the church was closed for regular public worship eight years ago and that I t would be good to put an end to this long period of uncertainty over the future of the building. They write that converting a former church to a single dwelling seems to be a very good way of ensuring that the property will be fully restored and maintained for the long-term. This has been the Diocese’s experience with our former churches at Gamblesby, Soulby and Grizebeck. Most people value their homes and make considerable financial investment in them, unlike community and heritage projects where funding is currently so uncertain.
The Further Views of the Representors
17. The Diocesan response has been shared with the representors. Copies of any further comments received will be circulated in due course as Annex S.
The Sifting Group’s decision
18. The case has been examined by the Committee’s case sifting representatives who considered that the issues raised were clear and limited in scope and they concluded that they had sufficient information in the written papers to fully understand the objector’s concerns. The Sifting Panel therefore decided that the case should be considered on the papers only.
The Issues for the Committee
19. Under Section 62(7) of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 the Commissioners are required to consider any representation duly made with respect to the draft Scheme. In considering the representations the Committee will need to have regard to the legislative requirement which is to seek a suitable alternative use for the building. The process of securing a suitable alternative use is one which may involve consideration of various factors. As no definition of suitability is provided in the Measure, a judgement 5
must be made in the particular circumstances of each case in assessing the ‘weight’ of their relative importance.
20. Section 17.4 of the Mission and Pastoral Measure Code of Recommended Practice gives examples of alternative uses which have been found to be acceptable which includes residential conversion.
21. If the Committee considers the proposed use to be suitable in principle, it is still possible that the uses might be unsuitable in the particular circumstances of this building because of its location or other factors relating to the impact of the use. In particular the proximity of an open churchyard and the potential disruption of the churchyard in the particular circumstances of this locality.
22. Finally, the Committee must be satisfied under the general duty of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 that the proposals, taken as a whole, support the furtherance of the mission of the Church of England.
23. The main issues to be considered are, therefore, as follows:
• is the proposed use of the building for residential purposes a “suitable” use within the meaning of the Mission and Pastoral Measure? • are the concerns expressed in the representation against the draft Scheme of such substance and weight that the proposed use is to be considered unsuitable for the building in this location? • will the proposals, taken as a whole, support the furtherance of the mission of the Church of England?
Recommendation
The Committee is invited to consider the representations and the issues set out in this report and, in the light of these, whether the draft Scheme should proceed.
(Signed) Harvey Howlett
Church House Great Smith Street London SW1P 3AZ
15 July 2020
6
ANNEX A Closed Church of St Croglin St John (Diocese of Carlisle) Representations against Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme Background
The Building
St John’s is a small Grade II Listed Victorian church building constructed of local red sandstone underneath a graduated green slate roof. The buildings stands within a rural village in the picturesque Eden valley to the south-east of Carlisle, flanked by the Pennines to the east and within the North Pennines Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB). Croglin Water, a tributary of the Eden, runs to the south of the village under a handsome stone bridge. The cottages are mostly of stone and attractive. A Grade II* listed 15th/16th-century Rectory House with truncated Peel Tower stands nearly opposite the church across a dead-end lane, which branches east off the Penrith to Carlisle road (B6413) skirting the village to the west.
The present church building replaced an earlier medieval building. The most prominent feature is the gabled double belcote at the west end, with a clock face and two lancets beneath. The interior of the church is whitewashed, with plain softwood benches and choir stalls. The report of the Church Buildings Council on the building is attached at Annex B.
Closure and Use Seeking
Due to a decline in the size of the congregation, St John’s was closed for regular public worship in April 2012. Early proposals for the appropriation of the building to residential use were consulted on in draft schemes published in 2014 and 2015, these proposals included a slightly larger area of the churchyard land. Following the submission of representations, and before the matter was brought to the Committee for consideration, the Diocese requested that consideration of the scheme be put on hold to allow time for the Parish Council and local residents to investigate the possibility of a community use being secured for St John’s. In the event such a use has not been forthcoming, and the current residential proposal has resulted from the recent marketing of the property.
The Views of the Statutory Advisory Committee
The Statutory Advisory Committee of the Church Buildings Council noted that this Neo-Romanesque church, a Grade II listed building, is of moderate heritage value with some scope for change, and as such advised that it be preserved by conversion to a suitable alternative use. The SAC’s advice Critical Information Summary and Informed Change Assessment is also attached at Annex B.
A1
Planning and Access
Pre- application advice provided by Eden District Council has indicated that the proposal to convert the building into a single residential dwelling is considered to be suitable in principle as a viable long-term use. Access to the building will be over the existing footpath through the churchyard, with car parking on the adjoining highway.
Burials and the Churchyard
The well-buried churchyard occupies a sloping site and is bounded by a drystone wall (see the photographs below). Under the current proposals the churchyard will continue to be used as a burial ground and maintained by the parochial church council, with the existing access arrangements being retained. During the course of consultation on the marketing and publication of the draft Scheme relatives of those recently buried (to the north of the church) have been consulted about the proposals.
The very small area of land included with the building is unburied.
A2 Annex B
Church Buildings Council Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ Pastoral Measure Report: Croglin, St John
Diocese: Carlisle Dedication: St John the Baptist Listing: II NGR: NY574 472 County: Cumbria Parish: Croglin St John PM: 2212 Conservation Area: No
Location and setting: A small Victorian church of local red stone in the Romanesque style, set within a rural village in the picturesque Eden valley to the south-east of Carlisle, flanked by the Pennines to the east and within the North Pennines Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB). Croglin Water, a tributary of the Eden, runs to the south of the village under a handsome stone bridge. The cottages are mostly of stone and attractive. A Grade II* listed 15th/16th-century Rectory House with truncated Peel Tower stands nearly opposite the church across a dead-end lane, which branches east off the Penrith to Carlisle road (B6413) skirting the village to the west. The lane ends at a disused quarry. There are some interesting historic barns here and around the village.
The church seen from the north-east
The church has some landscape value within the village, standing on a platform cut into the northern part of the small churchyard, which slopes with the fell side steeply from north to south to the road. It is laid to grass grazed by sheep, the churchyard and tarmac path to the porch is accordingly liberally dunged. The drystone churchyard wall may be of some antiquity (although doubtless often rebuilt), relating to the earlier
1 B1 church. The entrance in the south wall to the road is an iron gate with overthrow between stone posts with pyramid caps. Houses form part of the east and west boundaries, there is a yew tree and a cherry tree by the walls. No parking spaces.
South of the church is an eroded Medieval grave slab said to mark the tomb of Robert de Chauncy, Bishop of Carlisle who died in 1278, but this is almost certainly apocryphal, as are the theories regarding the eroded female effigy adjacent. Both may be 13th or early 14th-century in date and were doubtless ejected from the old church at some point. They have heavy lichen cover, as does the church. A large 1914-18 War Memorial Cross in an Anglo-Saxon style with interlace panels stands near the porch. There are grave markers from the late 18th century, mostly on the south side, with one chest tomb near the south wall. The churchyard is still used for burial, the most recent ones on the north side protected from the sheep with wire cages.
Archaeology and history: There have been several finds from the Bronze Age in the immediate vicinity of the churchyard, including a spear mould found at the above mentioned quarry. The site is of considerable archaeological potential and the Historic Environment Record should be consulted if any disturbance is contemplated.
The list of Rectors starts in 1294. The parish web site states that the old church “had some Norman stonework in it”. The Magna Britannia records “in Croglin churchyard a stone cross raised on steps, on one side of which is a braid, on the other a cross- florée”. There is no sign of this today if it ever existed, perhaps the War Memorial replaced it. The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) states that the church was a simple stone structure dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
Croglin was originally a part of the Barony of Gilsland. Its lordship passed through the de Vallibus family and was then held by the de Hastings family from 1214 (after Robert de Vallibus lost his lands for treason) to 1330. The village then came to the Whartons of Westmorland who held it into the 18th century. The village was reputedly burned by the Scots in May 1346, the year of the Scottish incursion and siege of Carlisle after Crecy, and their subsequent defeat at Neville’s Cross.
The present church was built in 1878 at a cost of £900, and is said to have been built just north of the site of its Medieval predecessor, demolished at this time. However, the steep slope of the fell really does not allow for this, and the church must be pretty much in the same place. There are photographs of the old church just inside the porch, showing a plain 2-cell building with west turret, with box pews inside. The architect of the new church was J Howison of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh. There seems to have been a refit at the beginning of the 20th century.
Croglin Water is mentioned in an ode by Wordsworth and the “Beast of Croglin Grange”, a vampire, features in Augustus Hare’s The Story of My Life (1896-1900). Hare has the monster residing in a vault in the church. The story is still popular and has recently been turned into a children’s book.
Ground plan: 4-bay nave with south porch, narrower 3-bay chancel with north vestry.
2 B2 Dimensions: Nave 9m (30ft) long, 6m (19ft) wide.
Building materials: Rusticated red sandstone ashlar on chamfered plinth; graduated green slate roof, coped gables. Cast-iron rainwater goods.
State of repair: Based on the latest Quinquennial Inspection Report by Ian Turnbull Architect, July 2008. The church is in reasonably sound condition and well tended, a programme of minor works and maintenance is recommended.
General description: The building has a solid dignity rather than flair. The gabled double belcote at the west end rises from the plinth and gives some vertical emphasis, as does the hillside location. The west wall underneath has two lancets, a clock face and an inscription relating to the rebuild. There are iron wheel cross finials to each gable.
The nave and chancel fenestration is of single round-headed shafted windows in Neo- Norman style with zigzag arches, one to each bay. The gabled porch has an external entrance like the windows. The gabled vestry projects north, with a window as above in the north wall and a round-headed door in the west, a simple stack rises from the nave roof adjacent.
The interior looking east
The interior is whitewashed, fully pewed with plain light-stained softwood benches and choir stalls and has a standard set of early 20th-century fittings. Open arch-braced timber roof with a collar, and quarry tile floors mostly under carpet. The heating
3 B3 pipes run above ground. There is an arched inset in the west wall. The neo-Norman chancel arch has zigzag and plain imposts, colonettes underneath.
There are large coloured prints by the Fitzroy Picture Society hung on the chancel walls, of high quality and interest, and attractive stained glass in the east window, see below. Older items from the old church include a wooden muniment chest and a small carved graveslab inscribed Hisabella, the latter possibly 13th-century (or earlier? List Description says 12th-century).
Furnishings and fittings: all c 1900-1910 unless otherwise noted.
Altar: Oak altar table.
Reredos: None.
Pulpit: Wood, semi-hexagonal, blind lancets.
Lectern: Wooden reading desk.
Font: Neo-Norman style font, tall, plain, wooden cover.
Stained glass: East window has the Ascension of our Lord, by Lavers & Westlake. It is a memorial to the Revd Edward Bowman who was Rector here from 1848 to 1875.
Two of the prints, Sermon on the Mount, Agony in the Garden
4 B4 The Fitzroy Prints: These were probably bought as an economical way of decorating the church, but they are the work of leading contemporary designers, and are now quite rare. The Fitzroy Pictures were published by George Bell but were produced by the Fitzroy Picture Society, which was founded by A H Mackmurdo, a leading figure in the Arts-and-Crafts movement, in the 1890s. Some of the Fitzroy Prints are to be seen at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, part of the Mackmurdo Gift in 1942. According to the parish web site the Gallery holds a brochure advertising the prints, dated October 1896. This shows that the triptych of the Nativity is by Heywood Sumner, reproduced in colour by Jas Akerman. The price was 16s, 6d for the set of three pictures. It was designed for use in churches and mission rooms. “Jesus Hominum Salvatore” was a set of three designs by Selwyn Image, the Annunciation, the Sermon on the Mount and the Agony in the Garden. They could be framed (as at Croglin) with 1 inch black reed, and glazed for about 9s. The prints were probably brought here about 1900.
Monuments: None.
Bells: The two bells in the belcote bear the date 1772, by Pack & Chapman.
Organ: Small electronic organ.
Communion plate: Silver-plated cup, an attractive piece in 18th-century style (a copy of an original?).
Registers: The Church Registers go back to 1644, deposited at the County Records Office, Carlisle.
Communion rails: Wood with Neo-Romanesque arcading.
War memorials: Framed Rolls of Honour.
Bibliography: Pevsner, N, (1967). The Buildings of England: Cumberland and Westmoreland. Parish web site. The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868). Magna Britannia Volume 4 – Cumberland. Published 1816 by Daniel and Samuel Lysons.
Other church in the area:
Cumrew, St Mary: Grade II Victorian church on Medieval site. Dated 1890 over entrance, by George Dale Oliver. Rock faced red sandstone with ashlar dressings and angle buttresses; graduated green slate roof with coped gables and decorative ridge tiles. 3-storey north-west tower/porch; 3-bay nave; single-bay chancel with north vestry. Square tower has plank doors with trefoil arch in pointed moulded recess, pointed hood mould. Pointed and square lancet windows with louvred bell openings; corbelled and battlemented parapet; projecting stair turret in angle between nave and tower. Nave has 2-light lancet windows with trefoil heads; 4-light west window with trefoil heads and plate tracery. Chancel has similar 2-light windows and east window similar to west window; external wall plaque from the original church, to members of
5 B5 the Gill family 1767-1871. Interior has open timber roof to nave and chancel. Furnishings and fittings all early 20th-century. Stained glass in east and other windows is of 1890 and unsigned. Effigy grave slab beside pulpit, thought to be Jeanne, wife of William Dacre, early 14th-century. Pulpit and font are inscribed and dated 1890. Pre- Reformation inscribed bell, one of 1750 and another dated 1901 by inscribed brass plaque on church wall. Large oval churchyard with monuments since the 18th century. ½ mile north-east.
Assessment of significance: A small neo-Romanesque Victorian church, of local architectural significance. The furnishings and fittings are of no more than local significance with the exception of the bells, the Medieval monuments, Muniments chest, Fitzroy Prints and east window stained glass, these of some significance. The church has some landscape value within the village. The site is of considerable archaeological potential.
Assessment of sustainability and potential for change: The church is in good order, is watertight and well built. A complementary use for this building would need to be found if it is to continue in use for worship, perhaps combining the various village facilities (post office, shop and community centre) within it.
The Council’s advice is not binding on the DAC or Chancellor and any changes would be subject to the granting of a faculty.
Compiled 15th November 2009 by the Archaeology Officer of the Church Buildings Council after a visit to the site on 28th October 2009.
6 B6 Vivienne Chick Closed Churches Division Church House Jeffrey West Ph D, FSA Senior Advisor, closed and closing churches Great Smith Street. Statutory Advisory Committee
Your Ref: RC 7/64
August 2010
Dear Vivienne,
CROGLIN, ST. JOHN (Carlisle)
Your request for the Council’s early information and advice on the church of St. John, Croglin, was considered by the Statutory Advisory Committee at its meeting held on 28 July.
Having considered the available information in the light of a recent site visit, the Committee took note of the attached schedule of Additional Information, aspects of which influenced the Committee’s advice. In particular the Committee noted a loose C12 corbel and the C13 and C14 funerary monuments in the church and churchyard all of which give substance to otherwise anecdotal evidence of the early origins of the church and the use of the site as a place of burial: observations that attest to the evidential significance of the site and affirm its archaeological sensitivity.
The Committee also endorsed the Critical Information Summary and the outline Informed Change Assessment. In the case of the latter, the Committee advised that a fully detailed Assessment would be provided on request.
In considering its advice on the future of the church, the Committee noted that the church is listed Grade II and advised that it was a Neo-Romanesque church of moderate heritage value with some scope for change. The Committee advised that the church be preserved by conversion to a suitable alternative use. While advice on use classes lies beyond the SAC’s statutory remit, with regard to community use it was noted that the village hall had recently been overhauled and modernized, and that a former Methodist chapel in the village had been converted to residential use.
As regards the contents of the church, the Committee advised that the loose architectural fragments at the back of the church are of some local significance, as are the medieval grave covers and C14 female effigy to the south of the church. Although none of these was considered to be of museum quality, as material evidence of the early origins of the church (there is some anecdotal evidence of pre-Conquest origins), preservation was considered to be of considerable local interest. Similarly, the SAC also advised that the photographs of
Statutory Advisory Committee advising the Church Commissioners and the Churches Conservation Trust on behalf of the Church Buildings Council Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ Direct Line +44(0)20 7898 1872 Switchboard +44(0)20 7898 1000 Fax +44(0)20 7898 1870 Email: [email protected] DX: 148403 Westminster 5 the former church taken in 1875 (before demolition) and likewise the photographs of the C19 vicars were considered to be of notable local historic interest and should be preserved. Even though the SAC’s standing advice is that plans, drawings and photographs should be deposited with Diocesan Records, the possibility that the refurbished village hall offered a suitable alternative is matter on which I would be happy to seek comment.
Attention was also drawn to the Fitzroy Pictures which, though produced in some number, were considered enough of a rarity of to be of notable historic interest and aesthetic quality. The Committee advised that both of the two sets were of sufficient importance to merit preservation either by relocation or by referral to a suitable museum (on which advice can be sought). Although the SAC’s bells advisor was unable to attend the meeting, the current advice on historic bells is that they should be relocated unless the church is to remain in community use. Again, I will obtain advice on this specific case if required.
In the case of the Roll of Honour, the Committee advised that it be preserved in accordance with the current Code of Practice (the village hall was suggested a suitable location).
In the event that the diocese is unable to secure a suitable alternative use the Committee advised that, despite listing, it would not be minded to recommend preservation of the church by vesting in the Churches Conservation Trust.
Yours sincerely,
Jeffrey West Senior Advisor
B8 STATUTORY ADVISORY COMMITTEE on closed and closing churches advising the Church Commissioners and the Churches Conservation Trust on behalf of the CHURCH BUILDINGS COUNCIL
CRITICAL INFORMATION SUMMARY
This Critical Information Summary has been issued by the Statutory Advisory Committee to provide a synopsis of heritage and planning information relating to the named church which is subject to procedures under the Pastoral Measure 1983 as amended. The document is intended to assist the Church Commissioners and other ecclesiastical and secular planning authorities in the management of casework, and is issued without prejudice to the process of the 1983 Measure and to the needs of a third party to comply with the requirements of ecclesiastical or secular planning procedures. The information, for which the Committee gives no warranty, was (to the Committee’s knowledge and belief) correct as at the date given on the document and is based on secondary sources and personal observation only.
Parish Croglin Dedication St. John the Baptist County Cumbria Diocese Carlisle
Address Croglin, Cumbria, CA4 9RZ Benefice & Archdeaconry Croglin; Archdeaconry of Carlisle Local Authority Eden District Council, Town Hall, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7QF. General Enquires: 01768 817817. Email: [email protected] Planning. Ph: 01768 817817. Email: [email protected] Building Control. Ph: 01768 890732 NGR NY 574 472 SMR/NMR/HER
Date of redundancy Uses approved
Designations: LB, CA, Church listed Grade II SAM, SSSI, SINC, TPO etc. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Outline history of site & Anecdotal evidence of a standing cross hints at pre-conquest origins. building The first church on the site stood a little to the S of the present building and is said to have had a blocked Norman door on the S side and ‘small, rude lancet windows’ in the chancel. This suggests a 2-cell Romanesque church from which a C12 stone corbel survives. The ‘sepulchral slab’ of Bp. Robert Chause (1258-78) of Carlisle [Hic jacet in tumba Robertus Eps] is said to have been discovered in the foundations of the old church and a C14 female effigy and a small number of C13 & C14 grave covers lie to the S of the chancel. The list of rectors dates from 1294. Old Church, 1878 (photograph)
The present church was re-built by J. Howison of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in a neo-Romanesque style in 1878. A ‘Celtic’-style War Memorial C12 corbel Cross stands to the W of the S porch in a churchyard well provided with headstone dating from the C18 onwards
B9 Location in townscape or The church stands in an elevated position near the N boundary of the landscape churchyard which is situated in the centre of the village. Building: materials, plan Materials: Red sandstone under a Westmoreland slate roof. form/constituent parts of building & site Plan form/constituent parts: 2-cell building comprising 4-bay nave with W bell-turret (two bells), 3 bay chancel, N vestry & S porch Notable features, fittings • C12 best head corbel and characteristics of • C13 inscribed tomb slab in S churchyard ‘Robertus Eps’ building • C13 inscribed tomb slab & fragments in church & churchyard (in chronological order) • C14 female effigy in S churchyard • 2 bells by Pack & Chapman 1722 • Photographs of old church (as in 1875) • Photographs of C19 vicars of Croglin • 2 sets of large prints by the Fitzroy Picture Society, 1 (3 pts) Nativity; 1 (3 pts) Ministry (1896, introduced 1900) • Woolwork picture 1858 [Moses & Aaron before Pharaoh?]
Fitzroy picture: Nativity set Stained Glass E window, the Ascension, signed by Lavers, Westlake & Co. 1891 Organ Electronic. Estey Organ Co. Brattborn, Utah, USA War memorials Roll of Honour [Print with names in ink] Bells 2 bells by Pack & Chapman 1722 – I bell clapper is missing [Geo. Dawson Nos. 287 & 288] Other buildings or pieces of None land Historical associations: None people & events
Human remains Evidence of burials within Present church said to be built on a new site church
Condition State of repair The last Quinquenniel Inspection was carried out by Ian Turnbull RIBA QIR, Structural Engr Rpt. on 1 July 2008, when the church was found to be in good condition with minor repairs recommended. Relatively minor repair and maintenance was envisaged over the 10-20 years. Building at Risk Register: Not on national Heritage at Risk Register. Local, national
Planning and amenity issues Local social & amenity Rural. Agricultural. Village centre profile
B10 Local plan Eden District Council adopted its Local Plan in 1996. This was reviewed in 2002 and information about the parts opf the plan that were saved and remain in operation can be found by following the links from the following web page: http://www.eden.gov.uk/planning-and-development/eden-local- development-framework/
The Local Plan is to be replaced by the Local Development Framework, as it is implemented. Further information about the LDF can be found at: http://www.eden.gov.uk/planning-and-development/eden-local- development-framework/
A separate Local Development Framework affecting the National Park is being prepared by the Lake District National Park Authority. Further information about the National Park LDF can be found at: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/index/living_in/planning_policies/ldf.htm (this information was valid as at 19 Jul-10)
Identified risk of flooding Not located in area identified as being at risk (Environment Agency) Availability & provision of Electricity [No water, No drainage] mains/services/WCs Archaeological implications The archaeological profile of the area immediately around the village of of alternative use Croglin and with a radius of 3kms extends from the Bronze age to the (church/churchyard/site) early modern. The Bromrigg stone circles stand some 5kms to the W of the site Human remains The churchyard has been used for burials. Anecdotal evidence relating considerations to the Bishop Chause inscribed tomb slab suggests the possibility that the site was used for burial from the late C13 (if not before).
Churchyard, Curtilage and planning Status of churchyard Open General character and The churchyard slopes from N to S. 1 yew [C19 planting?] setting of churchyard and curtilage Churchyard monuments, 1 chest tomb, otherwise tombstones dating from the C18 memorials & chapels Commonwealth war-graves None Boundary walls & lychgate S churchyard wall, stone gate with C18/19 iron gate & overthrow. SW (N.B. war memorial gates) corner of churchyard hearse gate with stone posts Churchyard or adjacent *** burial ground subject to Open Spaces Act Use dependent on N/A availability of amenity land (not within churchyard or curtilage) Enabling development *** required/in place Relevant S.106 Agreement *** Access/egress to site Pedestrian (highways issues)
B11 Parking on/off site, street Street parking
Biodiversity Churchyard designations, N/A e.g. Local Nature Reserve Protected species as listed N/A by Countryside Officer Trees & Tree Preservation N/A Orders
Records and references • Pastoral Measure Report: 15-Nov-09 PM 2212 • P10 form: 28-May-10 • Church Inventory: 29-Nov-88 • QIR: 1 July 2008 by Ian Turnbull RIBA • DRO: • Eden District Council • George Dawson’s National Bell Register (http://georgedawson.homestead.com/) • Environment Agency flood maps (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/) • Archaeology Data Service website (http://ads.ahds.ac.uk) • J. Charles Cox, Country Churches: Cumberland and Westmoreland, London 1913 • Leslie N.S. Smith, The Stained Glass in the Churches of the Anglican Diocese of Carlisle, CWAAS, 1994, P. 33
Date compiled 18-Jul-10 Updated
B12 STATUTORY ADVISORY COMMITTEE on closed and closing churches advising the Church Commissioners and the Churches Conservation Trust on behalf of the CHURCH BUILDINGS COUNCIL
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Parish Croglin Dedication St. John County Cumbria Diocese Carlisle
1. Context
S elevation and site of old church
2. Churchyard and curtilage • A narrow ‘hearse’ gate exists at the SW corner of the churchyard (in addition to the pedestrian gate with overthrow opposite the S porch. • War memorial cross (to W of S porch): sandstone, with panels of interlace, standing on rough-hewn socket with memorial tablets of WWI dead on S face and WWII dead on E face
War Memorial cross CWGC headstone • Commonwealth War Grave: E chyd, Cpl. F. Leveratt, RAF d. 16th July 1947
3. Church building
1 B13 • At back of church beside font, fragments of C13 & C14 cross heads. 1 C12 corbel
4. Contents • Fitzroy Prints
• Stained glass: E window, signed Lavers, Westlake & Co, London 1891 • Communion rail: pine • Tapestry picture in polished wood frame: Moses & Aaron before Pharaoh, dated 1858
• Roll of Honour: Framed print with names inscribed, WWI
Church House July 2010
2 B14 STATUTORY ADVISORY COMMITTEE on closed and closing churches advising the Church Commissioners and the Churches Conservation Trust on behalf of the CHURCH BUILDINGS COUNCIL
INFORMED CHANGE ASSESSMENT (Undesignated & outline Grade II sites)
Parish CROGLIN Dedication St. John Diocese Carlisle County Cumbria Address Croglin, Cumbria CA4 9RZ LPA Eden DC Listing & • Grade II Conservation N Designation Area AONB Y
The advice outlined in this document has been offered to the commissioning body [Church Commissioners] and should not be taken to indicate that planning permission will be granted for the alterations discussed.
Features and Characteristics of Significance
Information relating to the church and site referred to in this document is provided in the relevant Critical Information Summary. In principle, the Committee considers that the features and characteristics of the building outlined below make a notable contribution to the overall significance of the building. 1 Context and setting 1.1 Located in an elevated position on rising ground and in a relatively open position towards the north boundary of the churchyard at the centre of Croglin. The south churchyard wall is pierced by a pedestrian gate with overthrow both of which are distinctive elements of the streetscape.
2 Churchyard 2.1 The churchyard is of historic and archaeological interest as the site of a medieval church of C12 (?) origins (reports of a standing cross at Croglin are not substantiated by material remains or excavation). The site (including the boundary walls) is of some archaeological sensitivity. 2.2 The churchyard monuments date from the C18 and include a small number of incised and inscribed monuments of C13 & C14 (including an inscribed Episcopal grave cover and a female effigy in sandstone)
B15 3 Church 3.1 Exterior: the church was built in 1878 and is said to have been erected on a new site to the north of its predecessor. The church is 2-cell structure with N vestry & S porch built in a neo-Romanesque style.
4 Contents 4.1 Notable objects include: 1 C12 corbel and a small number of C13/14 fragments 2 C18 bells Photographs of the old church (1875) 2 sets of Fitzroy Prints 1896
5 Provisional conclusion The church is a building of moderate significance in a setting of moderate to high archaeological interest and sensitivity, and of some value as a feature in the townscape.
Scope for Change
1. Change to the churchyard and curtilage Notable constraints Site of moderate to high archaeological sensitivity The churchyard monuments are of significance to local history and make a notable contribution to the overall setting of the church Visibility and townscape value of church a. Improved access into the church: Some scope: potential for the small increase in the size of opening to the SW gate to provide vehicular access to 1-bay hard standing in the SW corned of the churchyard b. Development within the churchyard Little or no scope without moderate to high impact on the setting of the church, the archaeology of the site, churchyard monuments, and human remains generally. The provision of water and drainage to the site has potential for some impact on the archaeology of the site (and human remains) which would require assessment with a view to professional archaeological input under the current planning guidance.
2. Change to the exterior of the church Notable constraints Archaeological sensitivity of the site – notably S churchyard Visibility and townscape value of church – notably E & S elevations Churchyard monuments and human remains generally a. Additions and alterations Little scope on the E, S, W elevations Some scope on the N elevation
3. Changes to the interior of the church Notable constraints B16 Quality of architectural volume and inter-spatial relationships Tile pavement in chancel a. Alterations Some scope for change, but need for sensitivity to value of interior as an architectural space Scope for modification of E end floor levels: any reduction should be mitigated by pre-development recording
4 Change to the contents of the church other than seating Notable constraints The need to preserve the loose fragments of medieval stone carving a. Preservation Preservation of the fragments of medieval stone carving within a local museum (an alternative location in the Croglin parish hall to be considered) Preservation of the Fitzroy prints by re-location or preservation within a museum collection with special interest in Arts & Crafts artefacts Photographs of the church to be lodged with Diocesan Records The War Memorial Cross is of high local historic interest
5 Provisional conclusions
5.1 The church and site, which are notable for the history of Croglin, is a Grade II listed of moderate interest with some scope for change for which of national interest.
Church House July 2010
B17 Annex C
Draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme
This Scheme is made by the Church Commissioners ("the Commissioners") this ...... day of ...... 20 .... under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.
Background
By a Scheme of the Commissioners made under the Pastoral Measure 1983 and having effect under the said Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 on the 12th day of April 2012 the church of Saint John the Baptist ("the building") being the parish church of the parish of Croglin in the diocese of Carlisle was declared closed for regular public worship.
NOW, it is provided as follows:
Future of the building and annexed land
1. The building and the land annexed or belonging thereto shown hatched on the annexed plan (together referred to as "the property") shall be appropriated to use as a single residential dwelling and for purposes ancillary thereto together with the rights granted by Schedule 1.
Disposal
2. The Commissioners are hereby empowered to sell the property for the said use together with the benefit of the rights granted by Schedule 1.
Contents
3. The contents of the building shall be disposed of as the Bishop shall direct subject, so far as it is required, to listed building consent being granted.
Coming into operation of this Scheme
4. This Scheme shall not come into operation until such date or dates as the Commissioners shall determine following the making of this Scheme and the Commissioners shall not be obliged to bring the Scheme or any part thereof into operation until such time as they are satisfied that the conditions specified in Schedule 2 have been complied with but may do so if they so determine.
In witness of which this Scheme has been duly executed as a deed by the Church Commissioners.
C1 C2 C3 � TH. E .. CHURCH \11 OF ENGLAND ,CHURCH :COMMISSIONERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
MISSION AND PASTORAL MEASURE 2011 DRAFT PASTORAL (CHURCH BUILDINGS DISPOSAL) SCHEME CROGLIN ST JOHN THE BAPTIST DIOCESE OF CARLISLE
This note accompanies a draft scheme under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 which makes provision for the future of a closed church building, The Church Commissioners provide this information so that individuals and interested parties can understand the background to the proposals, make a reasoned judgement on the merits of the draft scheme and, if they see fit, a reasoned expression of support or objection to it.
The Current Proposals
The Commissioners have agreed to publish a draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme providing for the closed church of Croglin St John the Baptist to be appropriated to use as a single residential dwelling.
The draft scheme, which this note accompanies, contains provisions for the sale of the property by the Church Commissioners for the proposed use and the disposal of the contents of the building as the Bishop of Carlisle shall direct.
Background
Due to a decline in the size of the congregation, St John's was closed for regular public worship in April 2012. Early proposals for the appropriation of the building to residential use were consulted on in draft schemes published in 2014 and 2015, but following the submission of representations the Diocese decided to allow time for the parish council and local residents to investigate the possibility of a community use being secured for St John's. In the event such a use has not been forthcoming, and the current proposal has resulted from the recent marketing of the property.
The Building
St John's is a small Victorian church constructed of local red sandstone underneath a graduated green slate roof. The present church replaced an earlier medieval building. The most prominent feature is the gabled double belcote at the west end, with a clock face and two lancets beneath. The interior of the church is whitewashed, with plain softwood benches and choir stalls.
C4 C5 C6 Annex D
The Rt Revd The Bishop of Carlisle Harvey Howlett Bishop’s House, Casework Support Manager Ambleside Road Pastoral and Closed Churches Keswick Cumbria CA12 4DD Your ref: Our ref: RC7/64 1 July 2020
Dear Bishop
Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 Closed Church Building of Croglin St John the Baptist Proposed Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme
Following the publication of the draft scheme in February this year providing for the sale of this church and part of the annexed land for residential, you will know that we extended the notice period till 30 June to ensure that anyone who wished to do so was able to comment the proposals
We have received one representation concerning the draft scheme from Mr George Ritchie and a note of comment from the Chairman of Ainstable Parish Council. A copy of the representations is attached.
The representation against the proposals comes from Mr George Ritchie, who had previously represented against earlier similar proposals affecting the church and re-affirmed his earlier strong objection to the appropriation of the building to residential use. He argues that those buried in the churchyard have a right to rest in peace. He argues that the church’s desire for capital is being put in front of the wishes of the dead and that there is a distinct lack of respect being shown to those buried who are under the protection of the church. He argues that the churchyard should be left as it is and asks whether the people who have plots in Croglin, those currently buried there and those to be buried there, would have purchased them if there was a house in the graveyard instead of a church.
The note from the Chairman of Ainstable Parish Council expresses thanks for giving the local community time to try and find a use for the building. He notes that whilst the Council would have preferred to see the building remain in community use there has not been sufficient interest from within the local community to take on a project of this kind.
It will be necessary for our Church Buildings (Uses and Disposals) Committee to consider the matter and I should be grateful for your comments on the representations in general and on the following, more specific points:-
1. What were the main considerations that led to the proposal to recommend the residential conversion of this closed church building and the inclusion of churchyard land within the proposed scheme? Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ Direct Line: 020 7898 1782 London Switchboard: 020 7898 1000 Email: [email protected] DX: 148403 Westminster 5 Website: www.ccpastoral.org The Church Commissioners are a D1registered charity (number 1140097). 2. Can you respond to the concerns raised that the conversion of a church building in an open churchyard is, in principle, unsuitable and disrespectful to those buried in the churchyard?
3. Why does the Diocese believe that the inclusion of part of the churchyard is necessary for the use?
4. How do you propose to ensure that any future residential user of the church building respects the quiet nature of the open churchyard, particularly at times when funerals are taking place?
5. How do you believe the proposals will impact on the mission of the Church of England in this community?
6. Are there any other factors which the Commissioners should be aware of in their consideration of these representations?
In considering what information to include in your reply, I should be grateful if you would bear in mind that the Commissioners are now required to consider the representation under the quasi-judicial process laid down by the 2011 Measure. A legal challenge may arise from the Commissioners’ decision if, among other things, it is based materially on incorrect information. In some cases, this might necessitate the withdrawal of the Scheme. Of necessity, the Commissioners rely on others to provide the information to assist their deliberations and to this end I should be grateful for your help.
I am hoping that this matter can be discussed at the 22nd July 2020 meeting of our Mission, Pastoral and Church Property Committee. If the matter is to be discussed at that meeting, we will need to receive your response by 7 July please. This is to allow time for this letter and your reply to be considered by our Sifting Panel, to determine whether the representors and diocesan representatives should be offered an opportunity to make oral representations to the Committee, and for them to be sent to the representors, for them to make any further comments and, if necessary, for you to respond. As you know we also ask representors if they wish to speak to their representations to the Committee.
If oral representations were to be heard, there would also be an opportunity for you or a diocesan representative to speak in favour of the proposals. The diocesan representative may be any appropriate person (e.g. the Chairman or a member or the Secretary of the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee or an Archdeacon) but should not be the Diocesan Registrar or other legal representative. We do not wish the Mission and Pastoral Measure process to take on the characteristics of an adversarial tribunal and have advised the representors that they too should not be legally represented.
Our normal practice is, as you probably know, is for oral representations to be made at a public hearing. In the present circumstances that is, of course, not possible but it may be possible for representors and diocesan representatives to make presentations and answer questions by video conferencing. That would depend in each case on the practicability of whether all those concerned were contactable on line and able to participate in a video conference. It would be helpful therefore if you would confirm whether you or your representative(s) would be able to participate in this way. Otherwise, if a hearing is not to be held, the case will be considered in private and you will be informed accordingly.
Please note that while the Committee is able to discuss cases by video conference it is not able to take decisions remotely. Decisions would have to be made by a subsequent
D2 correspondence procedure and there would therefore be a further two or three weeks after the July meeting date before they could be announced.
We would normally expect the representations to be considered at the earliest opportunity but please let me know if you are unable to meet the timetable for the 22nd July meeting or wish to give the matter further consideration or undertake further local consultations before replying. Once we have informed the representors of the meeting date (which we will do when sending them a copy of your reply) we would hope not to have to defer it. However, all parties will hhave t e right to ask us to defer the matter to a subsequent meeting if justifiable reasons arise. The following meeting dates for the Committee are in September and October.
I am sending a copy of this letter for information to Rosaleen Lane and Neil Andrews at your Diocesan Office and also to Norman Bilsborough, the Commissioners’ Regional Case Officer who has been working with the Diocese in developing these proposals.
Yours sincerely
Harvey Howlett
Encs
D3 Mr Harvey Howlett Our Ref: JN/RL/CC Casework Support Manager Your Ref: RC7/64 Pastoral and Closed Churches
3rd July 2020
Dear Mr Howlett,
Closed church building of Croglin St John the Baptist
Thank you very much for your letter of 1 July 2020 and for a copy of the representation submitted in connection with the draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme for St John’s. I am grateful for the opportunity to respond personally to this.
My comments in general on the representation against the draft scheme are that whilst recognising that the Diocese has a responsibility of care and respect to those buried in the churchyard, and to their families, there is similarly a statutory responsibility laid on us to secure a suitable and sustainable future for the church building itself. I believe the proposed scheme successfully resolves the tension in handling these competing responsibilities, through keeping to an absolute minimum the area of land sold with the church and ensuring that there is appropriate access into the retained churchyard for visitors and on the occasion of new burials.
Now let me address your more specific points:
1. The suggestion that St John’s might be converted to residential use was made at an initial meeting held at the church on Friday 11 May 2012 and attended by Revd. David Fowler, PCC members Major Jim Ormiston and Jim Butterworh, Neal Andrews (Diocesan Property Manager) and Norman Bilsborough (Church Commissioners). A number of other possible future uses were discussed, including craft workshop/light industrial or business use, children’s nursery and community use, but conversion of the building to create a single dwelling seemed the most appropriate. This conclusion was reinforced by the fact that the Diocese had experience of other of its closed churches being successfully converted to residential use. A subsequent valuation report produced by the estate agents PFK indicated that commercial usage of the property was unlikely.
Of some importance in these deliberations was the fact that the local authority had indicated that open market housing would be an acceptable use of the building. Pre- application advice subsequently obtained from the local planning authority in November 2014 (and confirmed by updated pre-application advice provided in November 2019) confirmed that the conversion of the church to a single dwelling was acceptable in principle, whilst noting that the inclusion of part of the churchyard for domestic use would be best if this was located at the rear of the
D4 building. At the same time the Highways Department of Cumbria County Council had indicated that on-street car parking would also be acceptable, which the local planning authority felt would be necessary in limiting the impact of the proposed conversion on the setting of the heritage asset.
Also important in bringing forward this draft Scheme for proposed residential use was the conclusion of Ainstable Parish Council that a community use for the building was unlikely to be forthcoming despite concerted efforts over at least a year to achieve this. As the clerk to the Council noted in her email to the Diocesan Property Manager in September 2019, ‘it does now seem that all the options have been exhausted and that decisions about the future of the building lie solely with the Church Commissioners’.
2. Whilst I recognise that many people place a high value on the peace and tranquillity of a church and its associated churchyard, churches have quite often been the centre of village life and a hub of community activity. It does not seem inappropriate that a church building should be fully used for a variety of purposes beyond purely ‘ecclesiastical’ ones, nor that this would be disrespectful to those who are buried nearby.
It is worth noting that not everyone with relatives buried in the churchyard is opposed to the proposed residential conversion of the church building. Mrs Kathleen Stockdale, who tends three family graves on the north side of the church and who anticipates being buried there herself, has indicated that she is happy with the proposals provided she can continue to have access for the purpose of looking after the graves. Other residents who attended the drop-in session on 2 March 2020 also expressed their support for the residential use of the church.
3. The Diocese believes that at least a small area of outdoor space is a desirable element in residential accommodation, although in the case of St John’s an attempt has been made to keep this to the absolute minimum in line with the local planning authority’s advice. Recent experience of the Covid-19 lockdown has suggested that some outdoor space is of considerable importance in contributing to a person’s mental and physical wellbeing,
4. The quiet nature of the open churchyard will be respected by virtue of the fact that only a very small area of land at the rear of the church building would be made available for domestic use. To all intents and purposes the view of the churchyard from the main road would remain unaffected by a residential use of the property.
In addition I think it should be possible for the Church Commissioners to include a covenant in the legal documentation for the sale of St John’s which would provide for a cessation of outdoor activity on the residential part of the site when funerals are taking place, provided appropriate notice has been given in advance to the occupiers of the former church. This might be in a similar form of words to the
D5 standard covenant which provides access to former churchyard land, where owned privately, for the purpose of visiting or tending graves. It would also not be unlike the condition attached to the planning permission for conversion of Grizebeck The Good Shepherd to residential use, which determined that construction works should not take place outside certain hours in order to safeguard the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.
5. As mentioned earlier, the Church of England is required to be responsible for securing an appropriate future use for those buildings which may no longer be required pastorally or for regular public worship. I believe that in fulfilling this responsibility we are contributing to the mission of the Church of England, and in the draft scheme for St John’s we have a proposal which will ensure that this important heritage asset will be preserved for future generations and will continue to witness to the Church’s role in the local community. The realisation of funds from the sale of the property is also a very practical way in which the mission of the Church of England will be furthered at the diocesan level.
6. There are three other factors which the Commissioners should be aware of in their consideration of the representation against the draft scheme. The first is that the use of the churchyard as a burial ground and place of remembrance will continue unabated under the proposals as they stand. This includes ensuring that the annual Remembrance Service around the war memorial in the churchyard can be continued and that family members will have unrestricted access for the purpose of visiting and tending graves.
The second factor is that Croglin St John was closed for regular public worship eight years ago, in April 2012. It would be good to put an end to this long period of uncertainty over the future of the building.
The third and final factor is that converting a former church to a single dwelling seems to be a very good way of ensuring that the property will be fully restored and maintained for the long-term. This has been the Diocese’s experience with our former churches at Gamblesby, Soulby and Grizebeck. Most people value their homes and make considerable financial investment in them, unlike community and heritage projects where funding is currently so uncertain.
Yours sincerely,
Rosaleen Lane
On behalf of The Right Reverend James Newcome The Bishop of Carlisle
D6 Annex R
Representation Against
GEORGE RITCHIE
Norman Bilsborough
Closed Churches.
Reference Croglin Church
Dear Sir
I confirm my original strong objection to selling the Croglin Church for a residence and will be objection to any proposed planning should there be any and would ask you to reconsider.
People who are buried there fall under the protection of the church and they have entrusted you with their care. They have a right to rest in peace - one of the many reasons they were buried there - and other people will continue to be buried at Croglin Church. You are putting the church's desire for capital in front of the wishes of the dead and you show a distinct lack of respect to people who are buried under your protection. Do you think they would have wanted to be buried in someone's backyard?
While it is still a working graveyard you should leave it as it is and give the dead some reverence and respect.
The question you should ask yourself is, would the people who have plots in the Croglin Church, those currently buried and those to be buried there, have purchased them if there was a house in the graveyard instead of a Church. So why deprive them or their
R1 family of their last wishes - to be buried in a country graveyard with a church, a place of reverence and a place where most of them have lived and worshipped.
Unfortunately you as Commissioners seem more concerned about money, most of those buried in the churchyard paid to the Church during their lifetime and worshipped there, now you are abandoning them, not very Christian.
George Ritchie
R2 Letter of Comment
From Nigel Year, Chairman Ainstable Parish Council
Subject: RE: Croglin Church
Dear Gentlemen Ainstable Parish Council has asked me to express our thanks for giving the local community time to try and find a use for the building – St John’s Church Croglin.
Whilst we would have preferred to see the building remain in community use there has not been sufficient interest from within the local community to take on a project of this kind. We recognise the time and effort you have put into supporting us in trying to raise the commitment locally, and thank you for helping us.
I suspect there will still be some people who will oppose any planning applications, but hopefully something good can come out of this to preserve what is an attractive building.
Yours sincerely
Nigel Vear Chairman Ainstable Parish Council
R3