11 Dec 2024
Controversial plans to install graduation facilities adjacent to St Albans Cathedral for 12 weeks of the year have been recommended for approval by council officers.
The proposals, for Abbey Orchard at the south-west of the Grade I listed Cathedral, have been called in by Cllrs Edgar Hill, Dawn Gamble and Julian Degg ahead of this week’s meeting of the SADC development management committee.
They say prior University of Herts graduation ceremonies have had a significant impact on unregulated parking, were extremely problematic in terms of location and access, and have caused noise and disruption to residents and pupils at neighbouring St Albans School.
Previous events have also resulted in damage to the public green space and the Grade I listed Abbey Gateway by heavy vehicles involved in constructing the temporary buildings.
St Albans School has expressed disappointment that neither the university or its agents Savills have consulted with them, failing to acknowledge that the Gateway is a functioning classroom block, with no consideration of the noise levels from reversing and manoeuvring vehicles, and the fact that an emergency exit is adjacent to the proposed unloading area.
Burser Richard Hepper said: “The temporary nature of the buildings and their use is not the issue. It is the duration of and danger from construction and dismantling the buildings remains of great concern and these issues that are fundamental to this application.
“The introduction of the February ceremonies now has significant health and safety implications as the weeks of construction and dismantling both fall within term-time and involve conflict between HGVs and 900 pupils.”
A spokesperson for St Albans Civic Society said: “We are very supportive of the use of the Cathedral for graduation ceremonies but we object to this application because of the narrow area of access through Romeland and the Abbey Gateway for the large articulated lorries needed to set up the sizeable temporary buildings for the event.
“Past experience has demonstrated considerable difficulty in terms of access and, in addition to the damage to green spaces, there has already been damage to the Abbey Gateway which is a nationally listed Grade I building.
“There is a risk to the fabric of Romeland as well as significant disruption to traffic and parking as well as noise and safety concerns for both residents and the pupils of the neighbouring school.
“The large temporary buildings have a negative impact on the views of the Cathedral for a large part of the summer, especially during the construction and removal stage and the duration and the scale of the operation gives the area the feel and atmosphere of a building site rather than a valued place to visit and worship.
“We urge that consideration is given to a more modest set-up that would avoid the need for large articulated lorries and lessen the risks and negative impacts.
“It is notable that the graduation ceremonies in September were carried out successfully in the Cathedral, with the supporting arrangements being carried out elsewhere and this provides clear evidence that it is possible to retain the use of the Cathedral for all graduation ceremonies without endangering the fabric of the surroundings.”
John Hedges, chair of Abbey Precincts Residents Association, echoed many of these objections, and said the application sought to misappropriate local green space for private use for three months every year without any public benefit and, in the process, turn the Abbey Orchard into a perpetual construction site.
He argued that the presence and use of a vast refreshment building (750sqm) would diminish the demand from graduates and their families to celebrate in St Albans’ pubs and restaurants, so there was no economic benefit to the plans.
“The application omits many essential documents – including a design and access statement, construction management plan and street scene images – specified as necessary for any valid major application. The statutory consultees requested more and better information but none was provided, despite the ample time available. The officer’s report provides an outline of proposed use that mirrors the application but obscures the reality.
“Residents expect councillors to act in their interests and refuse this shameful application,” he added.
Historic England said it has concerns regarding the application on heritage grounds.
In arguing for the proposals to go ahead, the University claims the economic impacts outweigh the impact on the designated heritage assets, including £390K paid direct to the Cathedral, and between £2.1m-£4.6m spent in the city centre by graduates and their guests.
A letter from the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, chief operating officer Alan Hartwell and the Chapter of St Albans Cathedral explained why they felt the plans should be approved.
“The Orchard provides a unique and beautiful setting for pre-ceremony activities. Hosting graduation ceremonies at St Albans Cathedral celebrates the achievements of students but also fosters a sense of connection between the university and the Cathedral, enriching the experience for graduates and their families, who will always remember the joy they felt on the day that they graduated in our beautiful city.
“We believe that holding the graduations in full across the Cathedral site (Orchard and in the Nave) will contribute positively to the local community, enhance the vibrancy of St Albans and showcase the Cathedral as a central part of our city’s heritage to all those attending. Furthermore, it aligns with our vision as a place of welcome to all and a centre of learning.
“The ceremony marquees for welcoming, registration and robing, when located in the Orchard, also ensure that the students and their families and supporters spend more time in and around the St Albans city area, with the students’ own family celebrations and activities creating many additional commercial benefits to businesses in the St Albans city area during the periods of the ceremonies.
“To be good neighbours, and to reduce any impact, our partners at University of Hertfordshire have taken steps to address the concerns raised with a new contractor working to strict guidelines for the setup, operation and takedown of the temporary facilities. We encourage the planning committee to consider the many benefits of this proposal and look forward to seeing our Orchard come alive with the joy and pride of graduating students once again.”
Council officers said they have recognised the risks, but also the benefits, and are recommending the plans are approved for a two year period subject to conditions that will enable monitoring of the impact of the event upon residents’ amenities and the local area.
