The RFCA is poised to apply for planning for permission to replace two ageing conservatories with more classroom space for cadets .
Yorkshire and the Humber has two Cadet Training Centres – one in Driffield and one in Strensall, near York and both have large conservatories built some 20 years ago that are prone to leaks. In addition, their glass roofs mean it is hard to control light levels – making it virtually impossible to show videos or use interactive whiteboards in them.
Frequent leaks
Cadet stores assistant Bob Singleton, pictured in the conservatory at Driffield, said:
“At the moment, the main use for the conservatory is as an overflow for the dining room but because the area is out of use so frequently we’ve begun serving meals over two sittings so that we don’t need to use the space here.
“In the last year alone, glass panes have lifted up from the roof twice and every time there’s a leak it causes a fire hazard so we have to make the whole area ‘out of bounds’ to cadets and volunteers.
“We’ve gone down the route of fixing it whenever there’s a fault, but now’s the time for a permanent solution. The aim is to have a new replacement building as soon as possible.”
Planning permission
In both Driffield and Strensall, the new replacement building will occupy the same footprint as the existing conservatories. In both cases, the glass side walls will be replaced by brick and traditional window. The glass roofs will also be replaced by traditional pitched, tiled roofs.
RFCA surveyor Lee Jones said: “We’re hoping to secure planning permission for the new developments by Spring 2023 and for work to begin a short time after that in order to provide a completion by the end of Summer 2023.
“The new buildings will make a big difference to cadets and create more space for them to do a range of activities both during weekend and summer camps.”