Access Project:  Phase 2

a)     The main access issue inside St. Peter's Church is the problem caused by the lower level of floor in the chancel and the existing two steps down to it from the main aisle in the nave. Therefore the first proposal under phase 2 is to raise the stone floor of the chancel, including the existing memorial slabs, to that of the nave. 

Adjustments to the height of the communion rail will be made with new supporting ironwork as required.

See Drawings 1:  Sheets 1 to 3 below for details.

b)       Raising the floor of the chancel presents further access issues regarding the chancel screen. An ‘Assessment of Significance’ for the screen requested by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) concluded that in its current diminished state and position it is of low significance in the Church due to the changing practices in worship and general uses of church spaces. It is now considered to be an unnecessary barrier to participation  in the communion which is open to all, and to the choral music led by our choir. However in order to preserve its form and heritage in the church it has been proved possible to relocate it around the North door arch. This is now proposed as part of this phase.

See Drawings 2: and Drawings 1: Sheets 4 & 5 for details.

c)      In order to provide a more flexible space in the chancel, , it is proposed to remove the existing choir stalls in the chancel and re-use them suitably modified in the rear section of the North Aisle where a space heater once stood.
See Drawings 1: Sheet 2 and Drawings 3 for details.

d)      Wheelchair access is to be improved by removing four ‘part pews’ to provide parking areas in the cross aisle and the front of the nave. The squeaky aluminium ramp from the lady chapel to the north aisle will be replaced with a suitable stone ramp with wrought iron handrails in keeping with its surroundings.

See Drawings 3: Sheet 1 for details.

e)      See Drawings 4: For the overall 'Specification and Schedule of Works'