5.3.14 Adoption, Advice and Approvals

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

5.3.14 ADOPTION, ADVICE AND APPROVALS Adoption of the CMP It is important that the policies and principles within this CMP are adopted by Chapter, with a commitment to implement the recommendations. Periodic review of these policies should be made; either five-yearly or following a major project. The conservation and management of the Cathedral will continue to evolve, and regular review will ensure the document remains useful. It is also important to ensure all key stakeholders are familiar with the document and are committed to adopting the policies contained within it.

Consultation and Advice As set out in Principle 4 (Section 5.2.6), public and stakeholder consultation is vital to understanding the needs of users and it plays a role in fostering a sense of local ownership in the process of change. Consultation with interested parties, internal departments, experts and the general public provides an opportunity to inform audiences about what is happening and why. This is the only way in which proposals can adequately reflect the needs and desires of the building’s users within the parameters of sustainable conservation and care of the building.

Equally, early and on-going consultation with the FAC and CFCE will be highly beneficial to gaining invaluable, early-stage advice, and ultimately, obtaining permission for proposals. Bodies such as Historic England, and amenity societies (such as the SPAB, Victorian Society, Twentieth Century Society, Ancient Monuments Society and Council for British Archaeology) can additioanlly offer a wealth of advice and information. Approvals Under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011, the Cathedral is required to seek and obtain approval before implementing or consenting to the implementation of specific proposals.84 Generally, proposals that will have a material effect on historic character require consent. It is the level of alteration/harm to that historic character that dictates which body is applied to for approval or advice. The table that follows sets out the level of approval needed for different types of works. This has been utilised in the Capacity for Change table (Section 5.4.4) to understand the level of approval needed for specific components and should act as a guide to those seeking to make changes in the Cathedral.

84 More advice can be found in the Care of Cathedrals Measure, User Guide, 2019. https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-03/CCB_ UserGuide_CareOfCathedralsMeasure0319.pdf

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

Type of works defined under the Care of Cathedral Measure

Works (including repair or maintenance) that will have no material affect on historic character. Level of approval needed

No approvals needed. Specific examples at Coventry Cathedral (Examples are not exhaustive, seek advice)

Minor maintenance and repair work such as, redecoration of secondary areas or temporary reordering.

Any major scheme of repair is likely to require discussion with the FAC.

Works (including repair or maintenance) that may have a material affect on historic character.

Works (including repair or maintenance) that will demonstrably have a material affect on historic character.

Works (including repair or maintenance) that will permanently alter, demolish or disturb archaeological remains. Cathedral Administrator or Architect to assess whether approval is required.

Apply to the FAC for approval.

Consult FAC and apply to the CFCE for approval. Works that may have an impact on significance but where the impact is not clear and requires assessment. For example, minor additions such as lighting or fire systems that could ultimately have a cumulative impact.

Change that would impact on anything relating to the original design intent i.e. Spence designed fabric, fixtures or furniture will need to be approved by the FAC.

Likely to be required for below ground disturbances within the ruined cathedral or within the setting of the new cathedral, within the Precinct.

Works that may affect setting or archaeological remains. Secular approvals (dual control) needed (PP/LBC/SMC). Likely to be required for works within the ruined cathedral and Precinct. It may also relate to new extensions, alterations to existing extensions, such as St Clare’s bookshop, change of use, or major alterations to a material finish, such as a roof covering.

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

5.3.15 SUMMARY OF POLICIES

Policy Description Update on Progress

Managing Future Change

01 The informed management of change at Coventry

Cathedral will be underpinned by the conservation planning process.

02 Change will be grounded in a clear understanding of significance and the impact of change, both negative and positive, on this.

03 Any harm to significance will be balanced against the clear and convincing justification of its environmental, social, cultural, missional and economic benefits.

5.3.3 Design Vision

04 Seek to promote, record, preserve and realise key views of

Spence’s original vision as part of an agreed management strategy.

05 Before proposing change, first seek to understand the primary attributes and design vision of Coventry Cathedral as detailed in this Conservation Plan.

06 Requirements and proposals for change must respect, conserve or enhance the design vision and primary attributes of Coventry Cathedral.

07 The unique design intent of the new cathedral as a fusion of traditional and modern materials, form, architecture, space and functions should be respected and an appreciation of it enhanced wherever possible. Policy Description

5.3.4 Ruined Cathedral

08 A strategy of conservation-led, long-term managed decline should be implemented for the ruined cathedral.

09 The ruined cathedral should be viewed not as an individual entity, but as a vital and connected part of the Cathedral as a whole, fulfilling many of the same functions in different ways.

10 A holistic review of the landscape within the ruined cathedral should be carried out to improve the public space.

11 Initial recommendations for new uses for spaces across the

Cathedral (including the ruined cathedral) should be tested to provide new facilities where required and enhance significance.

12 Activities and use of space within the ruined cathedral should be assessed as part of a wider business plan to holistically understand need, impact and opportunity.

5.3.5 New Cathedral

13 Activities and use of space within new cathedral should be assessed as part of a wider business plan to understand need, impact and opportunity holistically.

14 Recommendations for new uses of spaces across the new cathedral should be tested thoroughly. Update on Progress

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

Policy Description

15 Ensure every proposed fixture, addition and change – however small – is of the highest quality and will either preserve or enhance significance.

16 Use high-quality and bespoke solutions to problems to avoid harm to the subtle and fragile sense of place inside the new cathedral. Technologically innovative solutions to solve complex problems should be considered wherever appropriate.

5.3.6 Repair, Maintenance and Conservation

17 Technologically innovative solutions to problems may be appropriate where they are proven to be successful and do not impact on significance.

18 Carry out the work recommended in the current QI within the timescales set out in the QI.

19 Produce a practical management and maintenance strategy for the Cathedral precinct following the principles set out in this CMP and recommendations of the QI.

20 Address the maintenance and repair needs of the

Ruined and New cathedrals appropriately with a clear understanding of the techniques, materials and skills used in their construction.

21 Keep a record of all tests, monitoring and repairs as a resource for the future. Update on Progress Policy Description

5.3.7 Restoration and New Works

22 Restoration or new works should only occur if there is a compelling justification, the heritage impact(s) is understood, and significance is retained or enhanced.

23 Restoration may be justifiable if it reveals a more significant or important aspect or phase in the Cathedral’s history.

This must be carefully balanced against the loss of the history and significance of the element as it is.

24 New works should respect the scale, composition, proportion, setting and materials of the Cathedral and be of the highest quality to avoid harm to significance.

5.3.8 Operations, Management and Use

25 Regularly review communication channels, structure, roles & responsibilities.

26 Commission a business plan for the Cathedral to focus on income generation and assess the functionality of spaces and where there may be capacity for change.

27 Implement an events strategy that is sensitive to the Cathedral’s material heritage and core purpose. Update on Progress

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

Policy Description

5.3.9 Visitor Facilities and Access Update on Progress

28 Regularly review the visitor welcome and associated facilities to ensure these meet current needs and are in sympathy with the mission of the Cathedral.

29 Seek to improve intellectual access as part of improved interpretation and as part of an access audit.

30 Ensure improvements to physical access are carried out as part of recommendations in the access audit and management strategy.

31 Bold and innovative solutions to improving access may be required to balance this against any harm to significance.

32 Improve access for safe maintenance, particularly at high-level.

5.3.10 Interpretation

33 Implement an interpretation strategy that increases understanding and dwell time for visitors.

Recommendations in the Interpretation Plan (August 2019) should be enacted where feasible. Review this strategy at regular intervals; at least every five years.

34 Present and publish research on the building in relation to

Post-War conservation and repair, making it accessible to a variety of audiences and in a variety of formats. Policy Description

5.3.11 Environmental Sustainability

35 Make use of the data which has been collected to make decisions about the future heating of environmental control requests.

36 Ensure the existing energy performance of the building is understood prior to proposing new efficiency measures.

Monitor the efficiency of the building before, during and after the implementation of any measures.

37 Consider more energy efficient replacements for failed original systems. Ensure that replacements will have no, or minimal, adverse impact on.

5.3.12 Landscape and Setting

38 Seek to promote, record, preserve and realise key views of

Spence’s original vision as part of a management strategy developed with all other local stakeholders.

39 Produce a landscape strategy management & maintenance plan for the Precinct to address intrusive features and improvements to streetscape. Include arboriculture within this strategy.

40 Seek to improve the landscape within the ruined cathedral.

This should also address issues of accessibility, way finding and interpretation.

41 Contribute to the development of policy documents specific to the Conservation Area and city centre. Update on Progress

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

Policy Description

42 Ensure landscape and setting are taken into account as part of any interpretation, public art, wayfinding and events strategy.

5.3.13 Research and Understanding

43 Address the gaps in knowledge and research questions as and when resources allow. These should be prioritised based on volunteers and staff resourcing, proposals in specific areas and opportunities for change.

44 Research should also be carried out whenever a specific proposal will impact upon any aspect of the heritage significance of the Cathedral.

45 As part of initiatives to improve partnership working, build relationships with local universities or interest groups to encourage student placements. Update on Progress