Fury as Britain's oldest cathedral to turn iconic landmark into an AIRBNB with locals slamming ‘outrageous' plans
PLANS to turn the entrance to Britain's oldest cathedral into an Airbnb have been branded as "outrageous".
The entrance gateway to Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most photographed Christian landmarks of the country, could be converted into accommodation.
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Christ Church Gate, which serves as the main entrance to the cathedral, was built in 1520.
What the plans for the Airbnb involve
Church authorities have proposed to transform its historic tower into an Airbnb, as an apartment with one bedroom, an open-plan kitchen and living room.
Other features in the plans include a biofuel fire, breakfast bar, and two toilets.
A Canterbury Cathedral spokesperson said: 'The best long-term way to care for our historic buildings, and ensure that they are maintained for future generations, is for them to be used and loved by residents and visitors.
'The rooms in the Gate remain unrefurbished and, in their current condition, are of limited use.
'As we consider how these rooms could be used, the Cathedral is working closely with historic building specialists, conservation architects and planners to bring them into use.
'This will help us continue our centuries-old practice of hospitality and welcome as we seek to serve the wider community, both here in Canterbury, and across the world. We are looking to share more information as plans unfold.'
Purcell Architects is the company set to be involved in the transformation of the Cathedral, and submitted documents to the council.
They said: 'It is clear from the layout and fixtures, including the large fireplaces and windows originally with shutters, that they were designed for domestic use."
Move branded 'outrageous'
This, however, has sparked controversy among the local community and Christians and seen as "the continued commercialisation of the Church".
Chair of the Canterbury Society, Hilary Brian, said it was an "outrageous" idea and told KentOnline: 'The gate is such an important piece of Canterbury's history, and it should be preserved.
'It seems such a shame to see one of the city's biggest landmarks disregarded in this way.'
Historic UK city undergoing huge multi-million revamp
Dr Gavin Ashenden, who was the former chaplain to late Queen Elizabeth II, and has since converted to Catholicism, thinks the conversion plans come at no surprise.
He pointed out: 'As The Church of England...they have to go to ever increasing links to raise money.
Ashenden was also a choral scholar at King's Canterbury, and added: 'To give credit where it is due, at least turning this famous cathedral gateway into an Airbnb doesn't involve the degree of blasphemy and irresponsibility that some of the other money making ventures like turning the cathedral into a nightclub involved.
"Perhaps local residents should be grateful.
"It's just Airbnb rather than a casino.'
Other church transformations
It is not the first time an historic cathedral has been "commercialised".
In 2019, Southwark Cathedral had its nave used as a catwalk and to sell clothes by fashion designer Julien MacDonald.
It was subsequently accused of promoting the "antithesis of the Christian Gospel".
Norwich Cathedral was also criticised for "treating God like a tourist attraction" when it installed a 55-ft helter skelter in its nave.
Airbnb and Canterbury Council have been contacted for comment.
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