Monastery could rise again as one of our landmark buildings

The Community of the Resurrection has submitted plans to Kirklees Council to build the monastery on its site in Stocksbank Road which will provide 25 en suite bedrooms for the brethren as well as meeting rooms, study areas, worship areas, a kitchen and refectory.

A report for Thursday’s meeting says the existing monastery is not fit for purpose with awkward layout. It is also in a poor state of repair needing high maintenance due to its age.

Father George Guiver said: “The idea is to build a new monastery and move into it.

“The present building is incredibly expensive to run and in need of refurbishment.

“The new building will cost £3.5m.”

As part of the deal with a developer – whose name is being kept under wraps – the present building would be converted into 20-30 flats. It was formerly a mill owner’s house.

Fr Guiver, who has been involved at the busy Mirfield site since 1983, added: “We are talking with a developer and we are hopeful that we can do a deal.”

Asked how important Thursday’s decision was he said: “It’s vital for us.”

Further down the line he wants to build a care home for handicapped youngsters and a new library.

The report says: “The building would require substantial investment to bring the monastery up to modern day standards and would result in a building which still did not meet the brethren’s needs.

“The new purpose-built monastery has been designed to meeting the needs of the brethren over the course of their lives at the site with a direct link to the church and will also cater for visitors to the Community of the Resurrection.

“The erection of a new monastery is considered necessary for the continuation of the function of the site and the agent notes without a new monastery the Community of the Resurrection would be unable to remain on this site in Mirfield.

“Through conditions the site will be enhanced through provision of bat and bird boxes and planting of a native landscaping scheme.

“The design and access statement notes the shape of the monastery has symbolic significance as the Mandorla – an ancient symbol of two circles coming together, overlapping one another to form an almond shape in the middle – was seen in traditional Christian art (of the early medieval period) where the almond shape is used to frame the figure of Christ in majesty.

“The Mandorla shape also works practically – where 23 out of the 25 brethren’s rooms are south facing – enjoying sunlight and views over the church grounds with each outlook from habitable rooms slightly different.

“Although large in scale and of a contemporary design it is officers’ opinions the new monastery is not out of keeping with its surroundings.”

Despite recommending approval of the scheme planners say that several conditions must be met including the provision of three bat boxes and 12 bird boxes – three swift, three house sparrow, three starling, three spotted flycatcher – which should be installed before the monastery is occupied.

Planners are also anxious to ensure that the bats are not adversely affected by inappropriate light shining on them.

The Community of the Resurrection which currently boasts 20 members, is an Anglican monastic order founded in the late 19th century. The Brothers take life vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The plans will be considered by Kirklees Council’s Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee.

The proposed leaf-shaped design of the new monastery was announced in 2010.