Historic Derbyshire Church Faces Cold Winter Amid Green Heating Dispute
St John the Baptist church in Tideswell has been without heating for nearly a year due to the Church of England's green energy goals. The situation is causing damage to the historic building and discomfort for its elderly congregation.
In a challenging situation blending environmental concerns with historical preservation, St John the Baptist church in Tideswell, Derbyshire, has been without heating for almost a year. This predicament stems from the Church of England's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030, conflicting with the immediate needs of the historic building and its congregation.
The issue began in October 2023 when Storm Babet caused flooding that damaged the church's gas boilers. Since then, the Grade I-listed building, known as the "Cathedral of the Peak" due to its impressive size and splendor, has been struggling with the cold. The church, rebuilt between 1340 and 1400 in the late Gothic style, is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical landmark in Derbyshire.
Churchwardens Peter Robinson and Mike Burrell have explored various alternative heating solutions, including biomass, solar, electric, and air source heat pumps. However, these options have proven unfeasible due to the church's location and infrastructure limitations. The National Grid has indicated that the village's power supply is insufficient for an electric heating system.
"We've looked into every aspect of heating, from biomass to solar to electric to air source. And of course, with the church being situated in the middle of a churchyard, ground source is really out of the question. Combined heat and power, you name it, we've looked into it."
The prolonged lack of heating is taking its toll on the historic structure. Damp has begun to penetrate the walls, potentially damaging intricate carvings and books. This situation not only threatens the preservation of a significant piece of English architectural heritage but also impacts the spiritual and physical well-being of the congregation, many of whom are elderly.
The Church of England has allocated substantial funds to support its net zero initiative, with £190 million earmarked to help reduce carbon emissions across the church and £30 million invested between 2023 and 2025 to develop the programme. However, this case highlights the challenges of balancing environmental goals with the practical needs of historic buildings and their communities.
As winter approaches, the congregation of St John the Baptist faces the prospect of another cold season. The situation has already led to a decline in visitor numbers, affecting the church's income. This predicament underscores the complex interplay between environmental policies, historical preservation, and community needs in the context of religious institutions.
