STAUNCH opponents of a £2m scheme to open up views of Chester Cathedral turned up at the first of a series of consultation sessions.
Architects and project managers for the Cheshire West and Chester Council vision were on hand at the initial drop-in meeting held at the cathedral.
Many, like international urban designer Martin Band, fear the replacement of grass in front of the war memorial with granite setts and the removal of trees.
Martin, whose company, Environmental Associates, is based in nearby Abbey Square, has come up with his own version of the project, complete with images, showing how to open up views while retaining greenery for half the cost.
Having looked at the settings of cathedrals in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Gloucester, Lincoln and York, he concludes the Chester vision would be out of step.
“It is very clear that the cathedrals are all set within a ‘green oasis’, incorporating walls, railings and mature vegetation,” he explained.
David Leedham, of Westminster Park, fears plans for a modern-style pavilion, originally part of the vision, may resurface when funding becomes available. He says such a plan would “horribly deface the magnificent south west porch”.
Talking about last minute amendments to the blueprint, such as changes to the setts earmarked for St Werburgh Street, he commented: “It still amazes me that they are making changes almost on the back of an envelope.”
Former councillor Gwyn Cooper, of Balmoral Park, said lunchtime drop-in sessions should have been held to make it easier for working people to attend. Unlike many, Mrs Cooper is not a fan of the lime trees surrounding the building as they drop a substance which causes paving stones to become dangerously slippy.
Ken Oliver, from Vicars Cross, likes the external lighting scheme. But he can not understand the “inconsistency” of opening up views of the cathedral in St Werburgh Street while proposing to build a two storey market hall on Frodsham Street car park which would block the vista.
He said a public meeting should have been held where people could speak to politicians and officers behind the project.
Upton Parish Council chairwoman Jean Evans said: “I just feel personally strongly about not taking away the green aspect, particularly the trees and the grass. It looks nice as it is now.”
The final public drop-in session is on Tuesday, February 1, at St Mary’s Centre between 2-4pm and 5-7pm.
Project manager Jack Pickett, who works for Chester Renaissance, said: “The sessions are for members of the public to come along and get a better understanding of the proposals and the rationale behind them.
“This should enable them to form a view and make comments if they so wish.”
