The Victorian Society have lodged a complaint into the formal planning process for the Grade II*-listed All Saints Church in Ryde, that could ultimately end up in a Consistory Court.
The Society argues that the current proposals would cause significant harm to the building’s historic and architectural character. Instead, it calls for a more balanced approach that respects the church’s heritage while addressing the needs of the parish.
Historic features at risk
The plans put forward by the parish include removing the church’s historic tiled floor and replacing most of its original seating.
Both elements were part of the original design by Sir George Gilbert Scott, a renowned Victorian architect. The Victorian Society contends that their removal would greatly diminish the church’s architectural significance.
Earlier versions of the plans proposed replacing the tiled floor with polished concrete and removing all historic seating. Later amendments suggested keeping the floor and retaining seating in the aisles. However, the most recent revisions once again propose replacing the floor, despite previous discussions about its preservation.
Diocese defends the proposals
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Portsmouth defended the plans, stating that they aim to secure the church’s future by making it more adaptable for modern use.
“Proposals submitted by All Saints, Ryde, aim to refurbish this important church building to guarantee its future.
“That includes plans to replace its flooring to accommodate under-floor heating, and to replace its pews with chairs that can be easily reorganised to allow more flexible use of the building.”
The diocese views this as part of a wider effort to revitalise Church of England buildings in Ryde, using national funding to increase congregation sizes and enhance community engagement.
Weighing preservation against practicality
The Diocese acknowledges the building’s architectural importance and the role of Sir George Gilbert Scott in its design. It insists that the refurbishment plans honour Scott’s vision while ensuring the church remains a functional space for worship and outreach.
The spokesperson said,
“At the moment, these plans are being considered by the Chancellor of the diocese, the legal authority on changes to church buildings.
“The Victorian Society have objected to the proposals, as they are entitled to do. The Chancellor could call for a consistory court to be held, but this is rare. It is more likely that the Chancellor will take a decision on whether these plans are permitted, based on the evidence he has received.”
A church with royal connections
All Saints Church was built between 1867 and 1872 under the direction of Sir George Gilbert Scott. The church’s tower and spire were later added in 1881-82 by his son, John Oldrid Scott.
Scott, one of the leading architects of the Gothic Revival, is best known for designing the Albert Memorial and St Pancras Station in London. His architectural legacy has been under increasing threat, particularly in Church of England parish churches.
The church also has notable royal connections. Queen Victoria’s daughter, HRH Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, laid the foundation stone in 1869 on behalf of her mother. Additionally, the North Porch was built in memory of Prince Albert by members of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
The next steps
The Chancellor of the diocese will now decide whether the plans can proceed. If a full consistory court hearing is called, further arguments from both sides will be heard before a final ruling is made.
For now, the debate over All Saints Church continues, as conservationists and church authorities seek to balance preservation with the evolving needs of the parish.
Why churches don’t go through local authority planning process
In the UK, most churches, particularly those that belong to the Church of England, are exempt from the standard local authority planning process for internal and some external changes due to a system called Ecclesiastical Exemption.
This exemption applies to planning controls related to listed buildings and conservation areas, but does not cover general planning permission for new buildings or major external developments.
Instead of applying to the local authority, Church of England parishes must obtain approval through a system called the faculty jurisdiction, which is overseen by the Consistory Court of the diocese.
What is the Consistory Court?
The Consistory Court is the ecclesiastical court of each Church of England diocese and is responsible for deciding matters related to church buildings, including alterations, repairs, and demolitions of structures within churchyards.
It is presided over by the Chancellor, a judge who is typically an experienced lawyer with expertise in ecclesiastical and heritage law.
Article edit
12.50pm 10th Mar 2025 – First sentence amended as plans have not been “lodged in the Consistory Court”, but may end up there.
