Cathedral withdraws plans to develop £8m annex

Ripon Cathedral says it has decided to withdraw its planning application for a proposed £8m annex on the north side of the landmark historic building.

The cathedral chapter said it had taken this decision after the plans were not supported by Ripon City Council at a meeting in December.

However it noted that the need for the facilities which the proposed new two-storey building would have delivered “grows ever more urgent”. The annex was meant to include a song school, cafe and toilets.

In a statement, the cathedral chapter explained: “We believe, as we always have, that our development must be part of a wider agreed plan for the city.

“This includes creating a ‘Cathedral Quarter’, which would deliver wider benefits to the city and county.

“As a result, central to the development of our plans for the annex has been a belief that we were working within the Neighbourhood Plan (adopted after a local referendum) to create that Cathedral Quarter.

“However, we were saddened that Ripon City Council did not support the proposed annex in its December meeting, despite the many eloquent arguments placed before them and the amendments that had been made to retain the beech tree.

“In addition, we continue to be asked for ever more proof of viability and justification within the planning system.

“The debate within the city has been challenging and difficult for everyone, but especially for cathedral staff and supporters.

“The intention in withdrawing the current application is to allow the further development and amendment of our plans to be discussed constructively and positively – balancing the many complex constraints and opportunities.

“With growing numbers of worshippers, visitors, pilgrims, and concertgoers, along with our flourishing choir, the provision of essential facilities (including toilets) for all those who use the cathedral remains an urgent priority.

“We are also dedicated to protecting the fabric of the cathedral for future generations, some of which has been in continuous use for over 1,350 years and is currently at risk from its inappropriate use for essential storage.

“We want to clarify that all costs for developing the proposals, and amending them to respond to the feedback received, have been covered by fundraising.”