Plans to turn the 16th century entrance gate of a cathedral into an Airbnb have been met with a strong backlash - with some branding the idea "outrageous"."

Christ Church Gate, built around 1520, serves as the main entrance to Canterbury Cathedral and is among the most photographed Christian landmarks in the country.

However, church bosses have now revealed an audacious bid to convert the tower into an Airbnb - offering "unrivalled accommodation" in the city."

Though some believe it's a good idea to fund the preservation of the landmark, others worry it could cost the gate its charm.

The Grade I-listed Tudor Gothic monument is one of the city's most iconic and recognisable landmarks and serves as the entrance to Canterbury Cathedral, which dates all the way back to 597 AD.

A spokesperson for the ancient place of worship argued that offering the gate as accommodation could help preserve the building.



They said: "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 rooms in the Gate remain unrefurbished and, in their current condition, are of limited use."

"As we consider how these rooms could be used, the Cathedral is working closely with historic building specialists, conservation architects and planners to bring them into use."

"This will help us continue our centuries-old practice of hospitality and welcome as we seek to serve the wider community, both here in Canterbury and across the world."

"We are looking to share more information as plans unfold."

But the move has prompted a mixed response from locals and tourists, with Canterbury Society chair Hilary Brian labelling the idea "outrageous" and urging Cathedral chiefs to change their minds."

"The gate is such an important piece of Canterbury's history, and it should be preserved," she said."

"It seems such a shame to see one of the city's biggest landmarks disregarded in this way."

City architect and historian Clive Bowley also warned that any renovations on the building would need to be completed with "special care"."

"The building has always been used for something, and to do anything there will take a huge amount of scrutiny," he said. "

"But lots of work has already taken place, and it's in pretty good hands."

American tourists Keith and Wanetta Wilde, who were visiting Canterbury from Texas, are divided over the proposals.

"I'd stay here," Mr Wilde affirmed. "You have to respect the old and make sure the façade is preserved, but buildings cost money to maintain. "

"We've seen it all over, old churches and buildings are covered in scaffolding, because they cannot afford to fix them."

"You cannot afford to let this place fall into disrepair, and if there's no money coming in, then what happens next?"

However, his wife argued it could see the historic building lose its charm.

Mrs Wilde said: "You have to wonder who would be staying here, realistically, it'll only be tourists."

"I don't think I'd stay here, I would be worried about seeing it lose its charm."

"I'd struggle to think of many buildings we have in the States that are as historic and beautiful as this."

Swiss visitor Peta Roullier labelled the plans "very strange" but echoed the overwhelming feedback that preserving the Gate's looks would be the most important element of the project."

The Christ Church Gate was recently used as office space for the Canterbury Festival and the City Guides, but was first recorded as being used for diocese purposes in 1541.

The building was then owned by Parliament in the mid-17th century and later used as a meeting room for the Cathedral sewing group, a registry and a storage space for diocese papers.

Purcell Architects, the firm behind the scheme, says the space was designed for 'domestic use', saying: "It is clear from the layout and fixtures, including the large fireplaces and windows originally with shutters, that they were designed for domestic use."

In recent years, the Gate have undergone a £1 million facelift, with the exterior of the building being restored to its former glory.

It made headlines when the scaffolding came down in 2022 and the bronze statue of Jesus was missing, though this was soon returned when works were completed months later.

There is already guest accommodation within the Cathedral precincts, with a 34-bed hotel being purpose-built to bring extra funds into the Church of England's coffers.

It is thought the attraction has running costs of £30,000 a day, and, with visitor numbers yet to bounce back since the pandemic, a shortfall of £1m a year in tourist cash continues to hang over the Cathedral.

If plans progress, the one-bedroom apartment would fill previously used office space on the first and second floors of the Gate, with the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury saying it would be "high-quality" and would offer a long-term use for the building."

The apartment would also boast an open-plan kitchen and living room with a biofuel fire, a breakfast bar and two toilets.

Works to transform the building include preserving the timber floors, removing plasterboard partitions to create more space, installing new heating, water and waste pipework and installing a service duct and extractor fan.

Bosses behind the plans insist the project has been designed to "minimise non-reversible work to the historic fabric"."