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04
Feb 2024
Homes England urged to 'listen to people of Ripon' over Clotherholme
Homes England — the government housing agency behind the 1,300-home Clotherholme development — has been urged to listen to Ripon people's concerns and protect the city's rich military heritage,
Last year Ripon City Council unanimously supported Ripon Military Heritage Trust, which is fighting to protect, preserve and ultimately display priceless items of historic and cultural significance.
These structures and buildings, some of which date back 110 years, are located at the barracks site, which has been home to the Royal Engineers for decades.
But concerns were expressed at Monday’s full city council meeting about whether the housing scheme will respect this.
Councillor Barbara Brodigan’s report to fellow members on her work as the Liberal-Democrat councillor for the Spa and Ure Bank division of North Yorkshire Council sparked a debate.
Cllr Brodigan, who along with fellow city and North Yorkshire council colleague Andrew Williams has attended meetings with Homes England and the trust, told the members:
The Royal Engineers who have had Freedom of the City since 1949, are scheduled to leave Ripon in 2026, but how will their heritage be maintained?
Ripon’s soldiers have earned a worldwide reputation for military invention and development, from bomb disposal to training troops on the installation of Bailey Bridges, which were used in many wars and proved crucial to the liberation of Europe.
Besides bridges, Ripon's contribution to two world wars included a concrete weir constructed on the River Laver to drive wheels for a power station that gave electric light for soldiers during the First World War. The Clotherholme site includes some of the last accommodation huts still in existence.
Councillor Pauline McHardy told the meeting:
Response from Homes England
A Homes England spokesperson said:
The government agency pointed out:
- Details for the heritage strategy, its funding, and potential use of the existing military structures continue to be fine-tuned as part of the planning application process.
- As part of ongoing discussions with North Yorkshire Council, Homes England and The Defence Infrastructure Organisation have committed to spending £100.000 towards the progression of the submitted heritage strategy. The council has asked Homes England / the DIO to continue engagement with Ripon Military Heritage Trust over the submitted heritage strategy and a number of options are now being explored as part of those discussions.
Main image: Are these extremely rare Second World War huts at the Ripon barracks site, going to remain or be removed? Picture: Ripon Military Heritage Trust
Read more:
- The priceless military heritage on Ripon’s barracks site
- Homes England sets aside £10 million for agreement covering Ripon development site
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