SOME parishioners raised objections to the plans to ‘re-order’ St Thomas church in Stanhope,writing letters to the Durham Diocese.
This is the reply – in full – they received recently:
IN THE CONSISTORY COURT OF THE DIOCESE OF DURHAM
RE ST. THOMAS STANHOPE
JUDGMENT
Background
- The Church of St Thomas the Apostle is a Grade II* listed building sited just outside
an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within the Stanhope Conservation Area in
Weardale. The church occupies a prominent place on the North side of the Market
Place, Stanhope. It is a popular attraction for visitors to the area. - The church dates mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries, but it has undergone
extensive restoration and alterations in the course of its history. It is now a substantial
parish church consisting of a 4-bay aisled nave, a west tower, south porch, chancel,
north vestry, and an organ chamber. The church is orientated east-west,
geographically and liturgically. In its early years it consisted of an aisle-less nave and
chancel. In about 1210 a tower and south aisle were built, and a north aisle and north
chapel were added in about 1225. Between about 1310 and 1315 new windows were
put into the chancel and south aisle. In the 15th century the north chapel was rebuilt.
Extensive restoration works were carried out in 1663 and a few years later in 1671
two bells were installed in the tower. Two galleries, a new pulpit and a reading desk
were provided in 1743. More major restoration works were carried out in 1867,
including the removal of the galleries, the rebuilding and enlarging of the north and
south aisles, new roofs, a new south porch and a new organ chamber. A new pipe
organ was installed in 1877. More recently, reordering in the north aisle has provided
an accessible w.c. and servery facilities. - In 2024 the PCC obtained a faculty for the entire replacement of the wooden church
floor in the nave, north aisle, south aisle and tower, with a limecrete floor and
sandstone flag finish. The faculty was granted to deal with a major rot outbreak in the
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former boiler house located underneath the west end of the north aisle. That work is
due to be carried out in the first half of this year. - In parallel with those developments the PCC considered the future reordering of the
church to achieve a more flexible and accessible space for both church and
community use. The current re-ordering petition presented by the two churchwardens
(the parish is in an interregnum) seeks faculty approval for removal of the pews in the
nave and under the tower, their replacement with stackable chairs, new heating under
the tower in the form of an infrared chandelier, installation of storage cabinets by the
north and south sides of the tower, similar south aisle storage cabinets in the south
aisle near the main entrance to the church (this area is described by the Petitioners as a
‘welcome hub’), a curved dais at the eastern end of the nave to replace the chancel
steps, with a lifting platform at its southern end, and a wooden ramp within the porch
at the south aisle entrance. - There is also a proposal in relation to the fonts. The church is unusual in having three
fonts. The font currently in use is an 1863 Frosterley marble font with a carved oak
cover dating back to 1907. This font is positioned near the main entrance to the
church at the western end of the south aisle. A much older stone font stands below the
western respond of the north arcade; it has a circular shaft and bowl, is believed to be
of Saxon origin, and was once recovered from the churchyard. A third font, a small
19th century example, stands at the east end of the south arcade; it previously
belonged in the chapel at Crawleyside which closed in the 1950s, and was
rediscovered in a garden serving as a bird bath in 1985. The petition seeks to move
the Frosterley marble font to the east end of the north aisle (but without its oak cover),
position the Saxon font where the Frosterley marble font is currently situated, make
the Saxon font mobile so it can be easily moved for use during baptisms, and relocate
the Crawleyside font to a garden of remembrance within the churchyard.
PCC’s statement of need - The PCC have four objectives behind their proposals. They wish to (i) enhance
fellowship and discipleship, (ii) reach out to tourists, (iii) foster a spirit of hospitality,
and (iv) provide a flexible space. They have assessed the repair needs of the nearby
church hall and anticipate it will need to be sold; looking ahead into the future, this
would mean activities that take place in the church hall would need to be relocated – a
reordered church would provide a flexible space for some of those activities (such as
the Toddler Group). The PCC recognise that the church needs to be fully accessible,
with a level access for all who have difficulties with mobility including wheelchair
users, and for prams and buggies. They consider the pews are a major stumbling block
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to creating flexible patterns of worship and to opening up the church space, and they
wish to remove the pews save for two of the shorter pews which would be retained as
a historical record (one would be in the north aisle, parallel with the north wall, and
the other would be in the south aisle with its back to one of the new cabinets, facing
east). The PCC argue that using individual chairs instead of pews would give
flexibility for differing patterns of worship and for arrangements within the church for
community events. Their preferred replacement chairs are the Durham Stackable
Contemporary Cathedral Chair, although they have not yet made a final decision. - The PCC has looked at the setup of the Sunday Eucharist. They consider that the
priest’s current position at the altar feels somewhat distant, potentially reinforcing a
separation between clergy and congregation, whereas the new proposed dais within
the east end of the nave would bring the priest and the congregation into closer
proximity, fostering a stronger sense of unity and encouraging everyone to feel part of
one body. The Chancel flooring is currently two steps higher than the nave. The
proposed dais would be level with the chancel floor, with a curved step edge to the
main body of the nave and inward curved edges to accommodate the eastern arcade
columns. The elegantly designed inconspicuous lifting platform would make it
accessible to all. The two stone steps to the dais and the surface of the dais would be
finished to match the new nave floor finish (authorised under the 2024 faculty). A
band of Stanhope black limestone would be set back along the edge of the top dais. - The PCC argues that flexibility of space would bring about more inclusiveness in
worship for the congregation. An example of this would be baptisms. At present,
when a baptism takes place, the congregation has to turn around in the pews to catch a
glimpse, as if they were spectators rather than active participants. A font on castors
would mean that it could be moved as needed, for example positioned centrally in the
nave with the congregation seated around it and feeling more connected to the service.
The Saxon font is simple in design – it has a circular shaft and bowl. The proposal to
make it mobile would be achieved by putting it on a cylindrical wooden plinth with
spring-loaded castors. A metal sleeve would hold it securely in place on the plinth to
avoid the risk of damage or toppling when being moved and in use. The sleeve would
be constructed from galvanised mild steel and powder coated in a sandstone colour to
mitigate any visual impact around the base of the Saxon font. Between the metal
sleeve and the font there would be invisible rubber separation matting as a protection
buffer between the hard face of the metal and the sandstone font. The fit would be
compression tight within the rubber separation matting, thereby avoiding stress to the
font stonework. When in use, the stone bowl would hold a container for the water.
3 - Existing heating within the tower consists of two cast iron radiators behind pews. As
part of the 2024 faculty, underfloor heating is going to be installed in the main body
of the church, and the radiators will be removed leaving the tower space without any
heating. The PCC seek to install a Herschel Halo 7.8kW electric infrared chandelier
heater, which has three levels of power to give flexibility. It is designed for churches
and other heritage buildings. The PCC contend that the heater uses modern infrared
technology and adopts sensible energy efficiency principals. - The PCC argue that the church has a distinct lack of storage capacity across all areas.
The tower is the principal area identified to address this need. Reordering proposals
include the installation of floor cabinets to both north and south sides of the tower
floor. The cabinets would be constructed without a solid plinth, which would facilitate
the moving in and out of a bespoke trolley system on which the stackable chairs
would be held. The cabinets would be constructed predominantly from European oak.
The proposed new storage at the west end of the south aisle would be used for books,
orders of service, leaflets and similar items. It would be a freestanding storage cabinet
and would act to segregate the entrance area (the ‘welcome hub’) from the south aisle
chapel; it would be constructed predominantly from European oak. - The main entrance to the church in the western end of the south aisle has a single step
about 8 inches deep. To make it a more accessible entrance the PCC wish to install a
permanent wooden ramp at a 1 to 12 gradient with handrails within the footprint of
the south entrance porch. Push pads located within the entrance porch and south aisle
would allow automatic operation of the entrance door for those with mobility
difficulties. - The Frosterley Remembrance Plaque was introduced into the church two and a half
years ago following the closure of St. Michael & All Angels. It measures about 37
inches by 31 inches and has been temporarily located resting on the floor against the
north side of the chancel adjacent to the sanctuary steps. It has a wooden frame, and a
glass cover with four columns of names and an inscription at the base that reads
“*Denotes those men who made the Supreme Sacrifice”. The proposal is to relocate
the plaque to the south wall of the tower, above the proposed storage cabinets to the
east side of an existing tower lancet window. It will be fixed using hooks set into
horizontal mortar joints. The PCC feel the current position of the memorial is
unsuitable and that it would be more visible to visitors in its proposed new place. This
uncontroversial proposal was omitted from the Schedule of Works or Proposals in the
petition, but I give permission for the petition to be amended to expressly include it.
4 - A key concept of the PCC is to grow hospitality as a church. The PCC wish to create
a space within the church for fellowship over tea and coffee (there is already a servery
and accessible w.c. located in the western end of the north aisle). At present space is
cramped, and it can be uncomfortable for people to enjoy refreshments after services.
In addition, the PCC wish to make welcome the many tourists who visit the church
and the area; they have noted that the nearby community centre often reaches
capacity, and they wish to be able to offer tea and coffee to tourists for a few hours
each day. The PCC believe a flexible space can be used to create a welcoming
environment to introduce visitors to both the church and its mission. If tea and coffee
were offered at set times during the week, the PCC feel they could also reach out to
locals who might not otherwise come to church.
Objections - In response to the public notices eighteen people sent written objections to the
Registry, and a written objection was also received from the local Stanhope Parish
Council. One objector is resident in London, having moved away from Stanhope as
long ago as 1964. I am not satisfied that this person is an ‘interested person’ within
the meaning of rule 10.1 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 (‘the Rules’), but in
any event she raises nothing new that is not covered by some of the other objectors.
None of the objectors has chosen to become a party opponent. I have read and
carefully considered all the objections. - The objection received from Stanhope Parish Council stated that Councillors believed
there had been very little consultation on the proposed plans, and in particular the
Parish Council had not been consulted. The Parish Council therefore objected. No
other reason was given, and there was no attempt to comment on the merits of the
petition. The Petitioners responded to this objection by informing the court that the
PCC had held a public meeting so that the proposals could be discussed, and some
members of the Parish Council were present. I note that under the Rules there is no
obligation on the PCC to consult the Parish Council. - I trust I do the objectors no injustice if I summarise their objections collectively rather
than refer to each one. Most objectors opposed the removal of the pews and their
replacement with stackable chairs. Some argued that it would detract from the beauty
of the church, affect it as a place of calm and comfort to the many people who would
visit it, and undermine its much-loved atmosphere. They contended that chairs would
look out of place, and would not be easy to be rearranged and moved by an ageing
congregation. Eight objectors were opposed to moving the Frosterley marble font on
the grounds that the proposal was without justification and would diminish the font’s
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significance; three considered converting the Saxon font into a moveable font to be
impractical on the grounds of weight and difficulty to move around; and three
specifically opposed moving the Crawleyside font to a garden of remembrance. A
number of objectors considered the village of Stanhope did not need another
community space or hub, because the needs of the community were adequately met
by existing facilities elsewhere. The anticipated cost of the project came in for
criticism, and suggestions that such cost was not necessary or justified. A couple of
objectors argued that the storage cabinets under the tower would obstruct sight lines
of a section of a 17th century reredos under the west window, and also prevent access
to the on/off mechanism for the clock chimes; they also considered the proposed
infra-red heating in the space under the tower would be uncomfortable. Two objectors
opposed the idea of badminton being played in the church. I am not sure how this
misconception arose, but I am quite satisfied from the Petitioners’ responses to the
objections that there is no intention to hold badminton sessions in the church, and nor,
of course, would it be appropriate to use the church as a sports hall. - In addition, some of the letters of objection mentioned that the plans were not
available to view at the outset of the period of public notice. This defect was cured by
a direction from the Diocesan Registrar under rule 6.4(e) of the Rules that the public
notice period be extended for a further 28 days with plans made available to view
throughout that period.
Advice and Consultations - The Diocesan Advisory Committee issued a Notification of Advice dated 19th June
2025 recommending the works and proposals for approval by the court. - The following bodies were also consulted: Historic Buildings and Places, the Society
for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, the Victorian Society, Historic England and
the Church Buildings Council. - Historic Buildings & Places did not object to the removal of the pews, and welcomed
the retention of two pews as a historical souvenir. They did however regret the choice
of the proposed replacement chair asking whether the colour finish would fit in with
other woodwork within the church. They had no concerns with regard to the
proposals concerning the Saxon font, nor of the re-siting of the Crawleyside font to
the memorial garden (being of little intrinsic interest). However, strong
representations were made against the proposal to remove the oak cover from the
Frosterley marble font, on the grounds that the cover and the font form a satisfying
and complementary unity.
6 - The Victorian Society did not wish to comment other than to support the comments
made by Historic Buildings and Places. - Historic England were of the view that the proposals for re-ordering were sensitive,
and balanced present needs with the significance of the church’s interior. It was noted
that the pews to be removed were of a basic 19th century form and level of
craftsmanship, and that the storage areas were to be discretely located. No objection
was made to the changes in respect of the three fonts, except hope was expressed that
the font cover for the Frosterley marble font could be retained and kept within the
church. Historic England suggested that the main change would be the installation of
the curved dais at the east end of the nave and access to it from the side. It commented
that the form and detail were handled well, using traditional materials and a simple
shape to blend with the interior whilst remaining a modern reflection of changed
liturgical practice and accessibility. In summary Historic England had no objection to
the petition. - The Church Buildings Council (‘the CBC’) was supportive of efforts to make the
church more welcoming to community groups and accessible for people with
disabilities. The CBC was also supportive of the parish taking the opportunity
presented by the floor being replaced to consider how the layout of the church might
serve their needs better, and of the efforts to improve storage so that clutter would be
kept to a minimum. - With regard to the pews, the CBC noted that the pews were of 19th century origin, of
low significance and that some of the pews had suffered damage from the old rotting
timber floor. It was pleased that the PCC had chosen to retain two shorter pews to
provide a narrative of the evolution of the church fabric and that the PCC was
considering chairs in line with its amended guidance on seating issued in October - However, the CBC wanted to encourage the PCC to explore whether the chairs
could be stained darker to better fit the interior. Likewise with the storage cabinets,
the CBC considered that a finished colour in keeping with the rest of the woodwork in
the building would be preferable to match the overall tonal qualities of the building. - Regarding the moving of all three fonts, the CBC would have liked to see stronger
justification in the Statement of Needs for their relocation. The CBC considered the
Frosterley marble font to be a very fine piece of design and that it might better serve
the aesthetic significance of the church in its existing location. Furthermore, the CBC
had a strong presumption against the disposal of church objects such as the 1907 font
cover and preferred its retention within the church. As for the Saxon font the Council
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queried whether it would need to be treated to hold water. It encouraged the PCC to
consider having the colour of the wooden plinth to be in keeping with the rest of the
church’s woodwork. The CBC did not support the relocation of the Crawleyside font
to the garden of remembrance – its use as a churchyard ornament would be against its
guidance on repurposing fonts issued in May 2024. - The CBC supported the extension of the chancel step to benefit the parish’s worship
style; the choice of stone to match the nave floor already authorised by faculty was
welcomed. It also noted that the dais created by the extension of the step would be
made accessible, and it was supportive of the proposal to make the south porch
entrance accessible through the provision of a ramped access. - The CBC was pleased to see that the parish was proposing to extend the church
heating system through the introduction of a Herschel Halo chandelier heater, thereby
making the tower a viable space for community use. It noted, however, that there was
a possibility that it might be hung in such a way as to obscure part of the west
window, which contains fragments of mediaeval painted glass. - The CBC did not wish to comment on the relocation of the Frosterley memorial
plaque to the tower, other than to confirm it was pleased to see that the fixings would
be to the mortar joints only. - The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings chose not to respond.
The Law - This petition must be determined in accordance with the familiar principles and
questions set out by the Court of Arches in the case of Re St Alkmund, Duffield 2013
Fam 158, and Re St John the Baptist, Penshurst (2015).
(1) Would the proposals, if implemented, result in harm to the significance of the
church as a building of special architectural or historic interest?
(2) If the answer to question (1) is “no”, the ordinary presumption in faculty
proceedings “in favour of things as they stand” is applicable, and can be
rebutted more or less readily, depending on the particular nature of the
proposals. Questions 3, 4 and 5 do not then arise.
(3) If the answer to question (1) is “yes”, how serious would the harm be?
(4) How clear and convincing is the justification for carrying out the proposals?
(5) Bearing in mind that there is a strong presumption against proposals which
will adversely affect the character of a listed building, will any resulting public
benefit (including matters such as liturgical freedom, pastoral well being,
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opportunities for mission, and putting the church to viable uses that are
consistent with its role as a place of worship and mission) outweigh the harm?
In answering question (5), the more serious the harm, the greater will be the
level of benefit needed before the proposals should be permitted. This will
particularly be the case if the harm is to a building which is listed grade I or
II*, where serious harm should only exceptionally be allowed. - Question (1) cannot be answered without prior consideration of the special
architectural and/or historic interest of the church. St Thomas, being Grade II* listed,
is a particularly important building of more than special interest. As noted earlier, it
dates mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries, albeit with extensive restoration and
alterations over the years, especially in 1663 and 1867. I know from my visits to the
church that it is a memorably beautiful church, set in a delightful rural area.
Analysis
Pews - The proposal which received most opposition from the objectors is the plan to remove
all but two of the shorter pews. I note, however, that none of the statutory consultees
advised against their removal. - The earliest introduction of the existing wooden pews within the nave, north and
south aisles and tower can be traced back to the restoration work of 1867 when both
north and south aisles were rebuilt and enlarged. Alternatively, the pews could have
been introduced in the later restoration works carried out in 1892. Their provenance
and age are therefore 1867-1892. The pews are laid out in a traditional east-west
liturgical setting. Within the nave the pews are mostly long, crossing over into both
north and south aisles. In the south aisle there are shorter matching pews which serve
as dedicated seating for the side lady chapel. Within the space under the tower there
are similar short pews. Some pews had previously been removed from the north aisle
and at the east end of the nave as a result of minor reordering in the later 20th century,
and more notably in 2012 when an accessible w.c. and servery were installed in the
north aisle. - The pews are constructed from pitch pine and varnished. They have an inclined plain
back panel, terminated at the top with a flush curved capping, with a shelf for hymn
books integrated to the rear. Pew ends are squared and have small carved cross and
flower motifs. The tower pews and the rear pews in the nave have cinquefoil leaf
decoration. The pews are secured to flush pew platforms via timber dowels. Long red
pew cushions have been incorporated to improve congregational comfort.
9 - The pews are indicative of late 19th century ecclesiastical joinery work. It is clear that
they are of low historic and aesthetic significance in the context of this historic church
interior, being plain in design. Furthermore, the existing pew layout is incomplete
because of the earlier removal of pews during earlier minor reordering and alteration
work. Removal of the remaining pews and their replacement with stackable chairs
would cause some harm, but I assess the degree of harm as low, and so disagree with
those objectors who believe the beauty and calm of the church will be badly affected. - The justification for removal of the pews, as put forward by the PCC, is clear and
convincing. Their removal and the introduction of stackable chairs will give the PCC
the flexibility they need. The resulting benefit to the public will comfortably outweigh
the low degree of harm. They will have more liturgical freedom; they will be better
placed to welcome and provide for visitors; fellowship after services will be
encouraged; and the church will be put to viable uses that are consistent with its role
as a place of worship and mission. The argument that there are other places in the
village where people can meet over coffee is not germane here; the PCC’s intention to
make the church a centre for the whole community is to be welcomed, not criticised.
Likewise, objections based on cost are without merit. It is for the PCC, and the PCC
alone, to decide how to spend and invest their own resources. The court would be
concerned with cost only if finances were so constrained that a project was incapable
of being implemented, which is not the case here.
The dais - Turning to the installation of the curved dais at the east end of the nave, to which
nobody seems to object, it is clear from the plans that its design has been carefully
considered. It will be constructed from traditional materials and will blend into the
nave, because the stone to be used will match the stone of the nave floor already
authorised by faculty. I am satisfied that installing the dais will cause no harm to the
significance of the building. The justification for the proposal is clear and convincing;
it will facilitate the parish’s worship style, and improve accessibility with the
installation of the lifting platform.
The fonts - Proposals in the petition in respect of the fonts have given rise to significant
controversy and opposition – in particular with regard to the Frosterley marble font
and the Crawleyside font. In light of the various representations made, the PCC have
now reconsidered their proposals for the Frosterley marble font. They now no longer
seek to move it from its existing place, and would keep its cover in situ. I commend
them for their reappraisal, and am satisfied they have come to the right decision.
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However, they have not provided satisfactory justification for removal of the
Crawleyside font to the churchyard. It is a small font which does not take up much
space, and I am of the view that a place within the church should continue to be
provided for it; this will not cause any inconvenience or interference with plans to
make the church more flexible. - Provided the wooden plinth for the Saxon font is stained in a colour to match the
church’s existing woodwork (in particular the colour of the woodwork for the servery
and w.c.) I see no harm to the significance of the building by making the Saxon font
mobile and more usable. I am satisfied by the proposed modifications that it will be
easily moveable, and that it will be safe to move. It will be the only font in use, and
therefore there will be compliance with the House of Bishops 1992 guidance that the
ideal is to use just one font for baptism. I realise concern has been expressed by some
Chancellors about the use of mobile fonts (see for example Lenham St Mary (2014)),
but the ability to have a mobile font at the centre of the congregation for a baptism
during Sunday worship is in my judgment sufficient justification to depart from the
norm set out in Canon F1. The use of a mobile font so that the whole congregation
can comfortably see and feel part of the baptism is certainly in keeping with the spirit
of Canon B21:
(1) “B 21 Of Holy Baptism
(2) It is desirable that every minister having a cure of souls shall normally
administer the sacrament of Holy Baptism on Sundays at public worship when
the most number of people come together, that the congregation there present
may witness the receiving of them that be newly baptized into Christ’s Church,
and be put in remembrance of their own profession made to God in their
baptism.”
Storage cabinets - The proposed storage cabinets in the tower were criticised by two objectors on the
grounds that they would obstruct sight lines of a section of 17th century panelling set
below the west window, and also prevent access to the on/off mechanism for the
clock chimes. The 17th century carved panelling, formerly part of the reredos, was
transferred to the Crawleyside Chapel in 1867 and returned after the chapel closed in
the 1950s. The Petitioners have responded to the objection by pointing out that
sightlines of the reredos are currently obscured by the pews in the tower. Removing
the pews will improve the visibility of the reredos. Furthermore, the Petitioners
contend that the design of the cabinets has been carefully considered – they will be
situated against the north and south walls of the tower with a depth that would be
sufficient for the storage of stackable chairs but not so deep as to impede or obscure
the reredos and west window. The reredos will therefore be fully and clearly visible.
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As for the chiming mechanism, it is operated by a braided wire and rope hanging
down through the timber ceiling in the tower; it can only be reached at present by
stepping onto one of the existing pews, which the Petitioners contend is not
satisfactory from a health and safety viewpoint. The proposed storage cabinet to the
south side of the tower would be below the wire and rope, which in the absence of the
pews could be more easily and safely accessed using a handrail stepladder. - I am satisfied that installation of the cabinets, both in the tower and by the south door,
will cause no harm to the significance of the church as a building of special or
architectural interest, but will be an asset so that items can be tidily stored when not in
use, thereby reducing clutter. This is subject to one proviso, that the storage cupboards
are be stained in a colour or shade to match other existing woodwork in the church, in
particular the colour of the woodwork for the servery and where the w.c. is housed.
The Frosterley Remembrance Plaque - Relocating the plaque to the south wall of the tower is a sensible and appropriate step
to take. In its new position it will be given the prominence it deserves. Fixing it using
hooks into mortar joints will cause no harm to the building.
Heating in the tower - Heating for the area under the tower is necessary, so that it can be fully used
throughout the year. Installation of the proposed infrared chandelier here, in place of
the existing radiators, will cause no harm to the significance of the building. That is
subject to the proviso that the chandelier is to be hung in such a way that it does not
obscure from view any part of the west window.
Access ramp - The access ramp with handrails and push pads will make the main south porch
entrance accessible. It will not harm the significance of the building. There is clear
justification for the proposal.
Conclusion - A faculty for the proposed works is granted, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The Frosterley marble font is to stay in its current position, complete with its
oak cover;
(2) The Crawleyside font is to be retained within the church – any new position
for it is to be agreed with the DAC, and in default of agreement, the matter is
to be referred back to court for further directions;
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(3) The position of the Saxon font when not in use is to be agreed with the DAC,
and in default of agreement, referred back to the court for further directions;
(4) All new woodwork on the Saxon font and the storage cabinets is to be stained
in a colour that matches and is in keeping with existing woodwork – in
particular with the servery and where the w.c. is housed. Likewise the new
stackable chairs are to be so stained.
(5) If the PCC decide to introduce a chair other than the Durham Stackable
Contemporary Cathedral Chair, the DAC is to be consulted, and in default of
agreement, further directions are to be sought from the court.
(6) The infrared chandelier heater is to be hung so that it does not obscure the
west window from view.
Adrian Iles,
Chancellor
19th February 2026
