Cathedral cloisters plan deferred (From Western Telegraph)

Cathedral cloisters plan deferred

A £1.85 MILLION project to rebuild the St Marys College Cloisters at St Davids Cathedral was deferred at a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority meeting last week.

A statement of need, submitted by the applicant, the Dean and Chapter of St Davids, says: St Davids Cathedral is small by cathedral standards and lacks the ancillary buildings that in other cathedrals accommodate functions such as vestries, offices and visitor facilities.

The cathedrals treasures are not readily accessible to the public.

The remains of the original cloisters (grade I listing) have been exposed to the elements since the 17th century and the important Conservation Crosses cut into the render on the South Wall of St Marys Hall are especially vulnerable.

Planning officers did not object to the idea in principle, but want to ensure it is done in a sensible manner.

Looking at the plans for a blind nine metre masonry and rendered wall to the west walk, it was described by an officer as very forbidding and closed off.

The proposed public toilets also caused some concern, with an external appearance which looked like panelled fencing.

Were wise to be very cautious, said County Councillor Simon Hancock. Member Edward Holdaway said: Heres something that in 1,000 years time people might say Didnt they have some vision? Members voted for deferral.

CAPTION

The remnants of the 14th century cloisters at St David's Cathedral.