Georgian Orthodox Cathedral
Alpha Planning has provided planning advice to this Cathedral in relation to a number of matters. Initially our involvement occurred following the serving of a planning contravention notice on the church in relation to unauthorised works to a listed building.
Our involvement resolved the situation with the local planning authority without recourse to enforcement action.
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Landmark Spire
The Georgian Orthodox Cathedral (originally the Ark of the Covenant) is a Grade II* listed building located in Hackney, with a landmark spire, imposing exterior sculptures, important stained glass windows, and a largely intact interior.
The Georgian Orthodox Church took over the building in 2011, with priests from Georgia serving the Georgian community in London.
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Pre-application Advice
Our work also included providing assistance to the Church in arranging pre-application advice with the Council, to discuss the possibility of providing a clergy house. This was in relation to a possible dwelling within the grounds of the listed building, or additional accommodation within the basement of the listed building itself.
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Victorian Origins
The history of the Victorian Sect responsible for building the church, the Agapemonites, is also fascinating. Founded in 1840 the sect’s first leader proclaimed himself to be the incarnation of the Holy Spirit and immortal (though he died in 1899.)
The subsequent leader of the Ark of the Covenant, an unorthodox Anglican curate, declared himself to be Jesus Christ in his second coming, before he was chased out and defrocked.
