Campaigners in Ripon hoping to save rare military heritage at a housing scheme have pointed to a recent council decision a positive example of heritage preservation.
Plans for 1,300 homes at the site of Ripon’s army barracks were given final approval in May.
However, the barracks site includes seven training huts believed to be some of the last remaining of their type in the country. It also features rare training bridges used by troops throughout the 20th century.
Homes England, which is the developer, has pledged to draw up a heritage strategy costing £100,000 that will look into whether a viable scheme can be developed to retain the military buildings.
Experts including Guy Wilson aren’t convinced. He helped create the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds during the 1990s and is the chair of Ripon Military Heritage Trust, a group spearheading efforts to save the buildings.
Last month, the council refused plans to demolish a WW2 prisoner of war camp at Kirk Deighton near Wetherby. It argued the homes would damage the “historic social narrative of the site.”
Mr Wilson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the nearby refusal shows that the council could be doing more to protect the buildings in Ripon.
He said:
“While it is good news that any part of the heritage is saved from destruction the differences between the Kirk Deighton camp and the Ripon barracks are stark.
"The camp is now in skeletal condition and is one of a number surviving, the wooden buildings of the barracks are in excellent condition and the Deverell is the last of its type to survive.”
He added:
“The end result is the very real danger that the last wartime huts of their type will be demolished and the real heritage of one of the most important Yorkshire wartime sites will be lost.
"Only public pressure now will give this important part of the heritage a chance. ”
North Yorkshire Council has been approached for comment but we did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Police appeal after radiator stolen from Ripon property
Ukrainian city thanks Knaresborough residents for ongoing humanitarian aid
New venue revealed for Harrogate vintage car meet
Body of man in his 60's discovered in Ripon canal
Harrogate MP vows to keep fighting for end-of-life choice
Holiday park expansion planned to meet need for more spacious pitches
Storm overflow investigation to begin on Stray in Harrogate
Ferrari worth more than £2 million spotted in Harrogate
Historic Ripon buildings open their doors for Heritage Open Days
Martin House doctor shares realities of children's palliative care in new book
Work gets underway on new Gail's Bakery in Harrogate
Police explain why more serious charges were not brought in Bailey Chadwick case
Wetherby MP accuses Prime Minister of 'class warfare' over Linton asylum plans
Ripon athlete launches extraordinary Three Peaks charity challenge
New pre-school officially opens in Harrogate
Harrogate street ranger clears Royal Parade after high winds
New ride at Lightwater Valley wins gold at UK Theme Park Awards
Harrogate MP demands review of 'unfair' student loan system
Karen Tyson appointed as new Managing Director at Harrogate Town
Harrogate BID to host free national event to fight retail crime
