Canterbury Cathedral authorities have unveiled controversial plans to transform Christ Church Gate, the cathedral's main entrance, into holiday accommodation available for short-term rental.
The Grade I-listed structure, constructed between 1504 and 1521, would be converted from office space into what church officials describe as "unrivalled" lodging.
The proposed one-bedroom flat would occupy the first and second floors of the 16th-century tower.
Plans include an open-plan kitchen and living area, a biofuel fireplace, breakfast bar and two lavatories.
Canterbury Cathedral authorities have unveiled controversial plans to transform Christ Church Gate, the cathedral's main entrance, into holiday accommodation available for short-term rental
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The Dean and Chapter of Canterbury have characterised the accommodation as "high quality" and argue it would provide sustainable long-term use for the building.
Christ Church Gate stands as one of the nation's most photographed Christian landmarks and serves as the primary entrance to Canterbury Cathedral.
The plans have sparked fierce opposition from religious figures and heritage campaigners.
Dr Gavin Ashenden, who served as chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II before converting to Catholicism, condemned what he called the "continued commercialisation" of the Church.
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The Grade I-listed structure was constructed between 1504 and 1521
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He added: "As The Church of England continues its meltdown, it's no surprise that they have to go to ever increasing links to raise money."
The chaplain said that whilst the Airbnb conversion avoided the "degree of blasphemy and irresponsibility" of previous schemes like turning cathedrals into nightclubs, he suggested locals should perhaps be "grateful" it wasn't being transformed into a casino.
Hilary Brian, chair of the Canterbury Society, branded the proposal "outrageous" and called on cathedral authorities to reconsider.
"The gate is such an important piece of Canterbury's history, and it should be preserved," she told Kent Online.
The plans have sparked fierce opposition from religious figures and heritage campaigners
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Cathedral officials have defended the scheme, with a spokesperson stating: "The best long-term way to care for our historic buildings, and ensure that they are maintained for future generations, is for them to be used and loved by residents and visitors."
The spokesperson noted that the gate's rooms remain unrefurbished and in their current state offer "limited use".
They emphasised the cathedral's commitment to working with conservation specialists and planners whilst continuing their "centuries-old practice of hospitality".
Purcell Architects, commissioned for the transformation, noted in planning documents that the rooms' original features, including large fireplaces and shuttered windows, indicated they were "designed for domestic use".
This controversy follows similar disputes at other cathedrals, including Norwich Cathedral's installation of a 55-foot helter-skelter and Southwark Cathedral hosting a fashion show in 2019.
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