SKIPTON'S Medieval Holy Trinity Church is set to become carbon neutral after a 'pioneering' plan to replace its old, broken gas heating system was given the go-ahead by North Yorkshire Council.

The work at the grade one listed parish church, which dates back to the 14th century, and has been largely without heating for three years, will involve the installation of six air source heat pumps, an electric boiler, and the fitting of internal pipes and radiators.

As part of the project, which is estimated to cost more than £500,000, the main south porch will be glazed, the west hall door will be widened and there will be improvements to current disabled access.

Fundraising got off to a good start with a legacy of £150,000 left to the church by Skipton man Thomas Drake, and on Wednesday (September 25), the rector, Rev James Theodosius will set off on a fundraising 100 mile, four day walk along the Lady Anne Way - named after a former owner of Skipton Castle and running from Skipton to Penrith.

Rev Theodosius said the church was leading the way for other listed, heritage churches across the country.

"We’re looking to raise over half a million pounds to replace the gas boiler with six air source heat pumps and an electric boiler and all the internal pipework and radiators. An additional set of glass doors will be installed on the outside porch to create a draft lobby, and we are introducing permanent ramps and two accessible pews in the main church to offer a better experience for wheel chair users and those with mobility difficulties."

The church made a commitment in 2021 to be carbon-neutral by 2030. "Since that time, the old Victorian pipe work began leaking very badly in several places and we had to turn the heating off in the church. We decided then and there that we shouldn’t patch up an old system rather install one that would meet our environmental commitment," said Rev Theodosius.

The cost of the project keeps rising because of the economic situation, he added. "We’re a large grade one listed building, part of the major churches network, and we’re open seven days a week for all the community. That takes a lot of time, commitment and money to keep going and a new heating system isn’t cheap or easy to get planning consent for. By doing it now and showing that it can be done, we are pioneering the way for the other fabulous heritage listed buildings across the nation."

The church has been working with its architects, Overtons; the Diocese of Leeds; and North Yorkshire Council for almost two years on a scheme which will allow 'warm hospitality which doesn’t ruin the earth and which respects the beautiful heritage of the building', said Rev Theodosius.

"To have received approval is a real testament to the integrity, determination and expertise of all involved. But it’s been a long and challenging journey," he said.

"Our fabulous and committed congregation are about to enter a third winter without heating and it gets seriously cold. But that’s a small price to pay to do what’s right and just for the earth whilst keeping the church open, warm and accessible for everyone in the local community and beyond, especially the vulnerable. Luckily we have managed to keep the heating going in the cafe, allowing us to keep it running as well as maintaining our free warm welcome cafe on Tuesdays and the youth cafe on Wednesdays."

In addition to the legacy from Thomas Drake, money has been raised at the Skipton Sheep Day events, the recent wedding dress exhibition and concerts. A church team is also taking place in the Great Skipton Santa Fun Run on November 24, and there has been other individual donations.

Permission for the project was given by North Yorkshire Council officers with delegated powers. A report, recommending approval, says the church is surrounded by several grade one listed buildings, including the castle itself and the Castle Inn.

It concludes that both local and national planning policies are supportive of renewable and low-carbon energy projects where 'the impacts are or can be made, acceptable'.

The air source heat pumps will have a 'significant' effect in reducing greenhouse gasses and supporting the transition to a 'low carbon future' and 'appropriate mitigation measures' have been taken to make the development acceptable concerning 'visual impact, biodiversity and residential amenity.'

Donations to the fund can be made via Justgiving at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-theodosius-1725554723608