Scargill House wins planning approval for major project

Major improvement plans for the Scargill Movement's Christian residential and education centre near Kettlewell have been approved by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Several large buildings will be demolished and replaced to provide modern visitor facilities and disabled access throughout.

The operations manager at Scargill House, which has close ties to the Church of England Dave Lucas, told the committee that the “benchmark” for the development would be “quality, simplicity and beauty”.

He said working up the plans for the ecumenical centre had been a “huge technical challenge” with much of the site built on the steep valley side of Upper Wharfedale.

The priority had been to create “step free access” around the site while respecting the setting of the Grade II*-listed chapel designed by George Pace and built in 1959.

“We want to ensure the long term future of Scargill and contribute to the economic and social fabric of the Yorkshire Dales," Mr Lucas said. 

"We want the chapel to be used for its intended purpose and be looked after. 

"We love using this building daily and take our custodianship seriously.”

YDNPA Member Champion for Development Management, Robert Heseltine, said: “Over the years Scargill House and the substantial complex around it has come to rest well into the landscape of Wharfedale. 

This application will only further improve this beautiful and peaceful location.

“The many guests that are attracted to Scargill House bring considerable benefits to the local economy. God speed to the applicant.”

 

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