Subscribe to trusted local news

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

  • Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

15

Jul 2023

Last Updated: 17/07/2023
Politics
Politics

Ripon military heritage trail plans backed by city council

by Tim Flanagan

| 15 Jul, 2023
Comment

0

ripon-21st-march-2023-huts-at-deverell-barracks

Ripon councillors have given their unanimous backing to proposals for a heritage trail focused on the city's unique military history.

At Monday's full council meeting, Guy Wilson and Jane Furse of Ripon Military Heritage Trust, provided an update on work that the charity is doing in a bid to save buildings and bridges at the the Ripon barracks site, where Homes England has planning consent to build the 1,300 homes development known as Clotherholme.





The trust wants to ensure that heritage structures that tell the story of the crucial role that Ripon played in World War II and the Cold War are not destroyed.

These include a number of rare huts on the Deverell Barracks section of the site that date back to 1939 and are among only a handful still in existence.

The trust wants to preserve seven of the huts for future relocation to a site next to the Laver Banks training area.

But to do this, they need approval for the buildings to to be dismantled and kept in the storage depot at Deverell Barracks.

The trust's plan also involves the phased development of a military heritage centre alongside countryside trails which will interpret the city’s unique military heritage, while providing a gateway to the Clotherholme scheme.

Trust chair Mr Wilson said:






"We have presented our ideas to Homes England and are now seeking the support of the city council."








Councillor Stuart Flatley said:

"These plans are mind blowing for Ripon. Military history is massive and this has to be good for the whole community."


Councillor Pauline McHardy added:

"This is a wonderful idea. Many people who live in Ripon used to serve at that site and have a lasting connection to it."


The proposals were welcomed by city council leader Andrew Williams, who said:

"We share the aspirations of Ripon Military Heritage Trust and will continue to offer it our full support."


It was agreed that North Yorkshire Council planners will be called upon by the city council to ensure that heritage infrastructure on site is protected and preserved.