Would you like to be shown the ropes at bell ringing? or find out what life was like behind bars in Victorian Ripon?

On Saturday March 9, local residents have the opportunity to enjoy, free of charge, the Sights and Sounds of the city at an event centred on the cathedral and featuring family-friendly activities, including dance, choir performances and poetry readings.

The cathedral  will also host an exhibition  where more than 40 local charities, public service providers and voluntary organisations., will display details of the work that they do.

Sights and Sounds will also includes activities at Ripon Library and the city’s three museums

The event is organised by North Yorkshire Council as part of the Ripon My Neighbourhood partnership which involves a wide range of public and voluntary sector organisations working together, focusing on the Ripon Minster ward.

The cathedral will host bell ringing, tours of the belltower, family crafts and games, music performed by local choirs, a pop-up café and dancing from the Ripon City Morris Dancers and Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers.

Ripon Library is offering free storytime for under fives and a free Lego club

Alexa Vernon, director of Ripon Museum Trust, told the Stray Ferret:

“All three of our museums – the Workhouse on Allhallowgate, Prison & Police at St Mary’s Gate and Courthouse at Minster Gardens, are taking part in this community event.

“This presents a great opportunity for local residents to visit all three of these magnificent heritage attractions to get an insight into what life was like for less fortunate members of society who fell on hard times.

“From workhouse to courthouse, imprisonment and, for some, deportation or execution, it was the sad downward spiral for many who lived in poverty and our linked museums take the visitor on this grim, yet fascinating journey.”

At Ripon Library between 11am and 12.30 children will have the opportunity to put their building skills to the test at the free Lego club and from 11am until 11,30 and 12 noon to 12.30, there is storytime for under fives and their families.

Details of all events can be found here

Main image: A captivating experience awaits for Ripon residents visiting the Prison & Police Museum free of charge on March 9.

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Ripon has the opportunity to follow in Chester’s footsteps and become recognised for its accessibility to all people.

That’s the aim of Ripon Disability Forum, which will launch its Access Ambassadors programme in the city on Monday evening at the Ripon Inn (7pm-8pm)

The event, which will be attended by a number of Ripon businesses, aims to put access issues at the top of the agenda by promoting good practice.

Forum trustee Jeremy Dunford told the Stray Ferret:

“Ripon, as an ancient city, is not dissimilar to Chester, whose roots go back to Roman times and it has devised a wide-ranging strategy that ensures that its shops, public buildings, market and visitor attractions, can be enjoyed by as many people as possible,

“They  were the first British city to be awarded a European Access City Award and set a high standard for others to emulate.”

He added:

“This helps people, like myself, who have limited mobility, along with those who have sight impairment, parents who have children in prams and pushchairs and others.

“It also makes economic sense, because businesses known to offer good accessibility will be able to promote that and take a greater slice of the purple pound (disposable income of people with disabilities). Currently the national value of this is estimated at £274 billion per annum.”

To start the initiative, the forum is working in partnership with Ripon Business Improvement District and teaming up with local businesses who already exhibit one or more good accessible features.

The objective is to promote, through all media channels, existing good practice and then work with the ambassador businesses to find other improvement measures that are practical and affordable.

The forum recognises not all venues can physically accommodate wheelchairs but they can still be accessible to people with other disabilities, for instance by giving them access to employment opportunities.

A leading example of this is Sarita McDermott’s Realite Indian tea room in North Street where she has provided employment for people with disabilities for more than eight years,

She said:

“I will be at Ripon Inn on Monday evening along with other businesses in the city because access in all its forms, from being able to get into a building, to shop, eat, take exercise or be entertained is a fundamental right, as is the right to gain access to employment, which can be life changing for some people,”

This is certainly the case for 45-year-old Martin Grainger and 18-year-old Lewis Hampton, who are popular with tea room customers.

Martin said:

“Working for Reality has been great for me, I like serving people and asking if they have enjoyed their drink or delicious piece of cake that Sarita has baked.”

Lewis added:

“I’ve been working here for 18 months and it has made me feel more confident, because the customers are very nice and ask me how I’m getting on.”

Places are still available for Monday’s event and any business wishing to attend should contact ripondisabilityforum@gmail.com

Picture: Sarita McDermott is pictured at Realitea with her colleagues Martin Grainger (right) and Lewis Hampton.

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This aerial cgi shows the proposed annexe between the Courthouse Museum to the right and the Old Deanery restaurant. Image Ripon Cathedral Renewed.

The veteran beech (foreground) is one of 11 mature trees that would be felled.

The signatories of the letter to Gerard Walsh all took part in the protest at Minster Gardens on November 25.

Local resident and environmental journalist Brian McHugh, who has sought the precise dimensions of the annexe and details about the compensatory planting of 300 trees in return for the 11 that face being felled on Minster Gardens, claimed the drop-in events “were farcical and no more than a cosmetic ‘tick box’ exercise”. He added:

“By no stretch of the imagination can they be considered as a valid or acceptable public consultation and this prompted me and six fellow campaigners, who have also attended the events to send an open letter to North Yorkshire Council planning officer Gerard Walsh, who is handling the planning application.

“We all have major doubts about the veracity of responses received to legitimate questions that we asked and that prompted us to send an open letter to Mr Walsh.”

‘End this sham of a consultation’

The letter urges Mr Walsh to “intervene to end this sham of a ‘public consultation’, which consists of: no significant changes to the original submission; newly formatted leaflets with no new information; 70% of ‘drop ins’ during the working day and a lack of record keeping from cathedral staff of comments and suggestions by the public”.

It added questions on key issues such as where the 300 trees will be planted as compensation had received conflicting responses and was now being treated as a private matter between the landowner and the cathedral. The letter added:

“As this ‘off-site planting’ is supposed to be compensation to the people of Ripon for the trees felled at Minster Gardens, it is not a ‘private matter’, but very much a matter of public interest. This is a material consideration to the proposal.

“We urge you to use your powers to intervene and bring this sham of a proposal to a halt before further embarrassment is caused to the city of Ripon.”

Planned public meeting 

Heritage specialist Andy Bates has organised a meeting on the upper floor of So! Bar at Old Market Place Ripon on Thursday to set-up a separate community consultation about the annexe application, away from the cathedral.

The meeting from 7pm to 9pm will be open to all and Mr Bates has said in posts on social media:

“Our first meeting needs to be one in which we plan how to conduct a community consultation about the proposed cathedral annexe and the proposed destruction of the trees. This consultation will be put together by the people of Ripon.

“The Dean and Chapter, and all other parties, will be invited when that consultation meeting comes to pass. This, I hope, will reclaim control of the narrative from the cathedral, and will allow all people who are involved to find and speak with their own voices; voices which might otherwise not be heard; voices which might otherwise actually be silenced.”

The Stray Ferret asked the Ripon Cathedral Renewed Comms team to respond to the claims made but has not received a response.

Main image:: Some of the trees under threat in Minster Gardens

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Read more:

• Ripon Cathedral announces next steps in £8 million annexe consultation
• Campaigner expresses ‘annexation’ fears for Ripon’s Minster Gardens

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With additional public consultation on Ripon Cathedral’s controversial planning application starting at 3pm today (Monday, February 12), a leading campaigner has criticised the way the issue is being handled.

The cathedral “paused” its planning application to North Yorkshire Council for an £8 million new development on Minster Gardens last month in the wake of opposition from campaigners and local businesses.

It is hosting drop-in events this month and in March to allow people to ask about the plans, which would involve felling trees.

But Kevin Hill who, with his wife Liz, owns and runs a retail business on Kirkgate, fears the cathedral is determined to press ahead. He said:

“It’s looking ominously clear that the cathedral is hell-bent on its attempted annexation of a public open space and it won’t let a few trees stand in its way.

“All this to cram a two-storey annexe which is larger than the Ripon M&S Food store onto land that has been enjoyed by the public for more than 200 years.”

The 11,000 sq ft M&S Ripon Foodhall is smaller than the proposed cathedral annexe.

Mr Hill added:

“Many people still haven’t realised that the proposed annexe, with its 80-seat 2,228 sq ft refectory, along with gift shop, song school, toilets and storage areas, is 11,840 square feet, almost 1,000  square feet more than the two-storey M&S food hall at the St Michael’s retail park, which is 11,000 square feet.

“The cathedral continues to say in its publications and display materials that the new building’s footprint will cover the area currently occupied by the existing toilet block, tarmacked footpath and drive, while carefully failing to add that it will also take up a very large slice of the adjacent parkland area.”

Computer generated images of the proposed building. Picture Ripon Cathedral Renewed

The proposed building’s footprint will cover the toilets, tarmac and an adjacent area of Minster Gardens to the right.

Ripon resident Jenni Holman, who has raised a petition signed by more than 2,100, people calling for the trees and green space to be saved from development, said:

“We want the cathedral to thrive and get the 21st century facilities that it urgently needs, but are convinced that they can achieve this, while ensuring that the public green space of Minster Gardens with its mature trees remain here for the enjoyment of the people of Ripon, visitors to the city and future generations.

“It also greatly concerns us that 21 of the 22 consultation events are being held at the cathedral and only three of them are being held outside of normal working and shop hours, meaning that many Ripon residents and business owners will be unable to attend.”

As revealed by the Stray Ferret, prior to last month’s announcement of the planning application pause, Andrew Williams, the leader of Ripon City Council met with the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson and the cathedral’s communications manager Michele Gee.

Following that meeting, which took place on January 9, Cllr Williams, said he had “suggested to the Dean that such public consultation would be best undertaken away from the cathedral itself”.

The Stray Ferret raised the concerns of campaigners with the cathedral but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Consultation events calendar

Apart from an event between 9am and 12 noon at Ripon Town Hall on Thursday March 7, the other 21 events will be held at the cathedral. at the dates and times set out below.

February

• Monday 12, 3-5pm
• Thursday 15, 10am-12pm
• Saturday 17, 1-2.30pm
• Tuesday 20, 5-7pm
• Thursday 22, 2-4pm
• Friday 23, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Monday 26, 10am-12pm
• Wednesday 28, 10am-12pm

March

• Saturday 2, 2-4pm
• Tuesday 5, 5-7pm
• Thursday 7, 2-4pm
• Friday 8, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Monday 11, 3-5pm
• Wednesday 13, 10am-12pm
• Friday 15, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Monday 18, 5-7pm
• Tuesday 19, 3-5pm
• Sunday 24, 1-3pm
• Monday 25, 3-5pm
• Wednesday 27, 12-2pm
• Thursday 28, 1-3pm

Main picture: Campaigner Kevin Hill is seen on part of the Minster Gardens that, along with the toilet block and tarmacked area will be cleared for the proposed annexe

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• Ripon Cathedral announces next steps in annexe plan
• Trees still stand in the way of annexe plan
• Cathedral pauses controversial planning application

Ripon’s fast-growing theatre festival — now in its third year — will take place from Tuesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 7.

Building on the success of the two previous festivals, the events and activities will run over five days and six nights.

With interest expected to be high, tickets for six of the events will go on sale on Saturday (February 10).

This year’s highlights include an appearance by radical theatre company Red Ladder, a cabaret act featuring the music of Victoria Wood and a return visit from actor Barrie Rutter (pictured below)

Barrie Rutter. Pic: Nobby Clarke

Natalie Bellingham

This summer’s programme will see Newby Hall as a new location for festival favourites and open-air theatre specialists Illyria and the garden at the Old Deanery will also provide a backdrop for theatre al fresco when it hosts the Sunday night Shakespearean finale.

Festival director Katie Scott told the Stray Ferret:

“The first release of tickets includes Look After Your Knees, a beautiful and touching one-woman show from up-and-coming artist Natalie Bellingham, Shakespeare’s Royals from Barrie Rutter (plus special guest), Looking for Me Friend – the Music of Victoria Wood and We’re Not Going Back – Red Ladder’s thought-provoking musical comedy set during the 1984/5 miners’ strike.

“Tickets also go on sale this weekend for open air family theatre at Newby Hall (The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle) and Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the Old Deanery.”

Full details of all the festival’s plans including street theatre, pop-up events and free family activities will be announced at the official launch on Thursday 21 March.

Tickets are already on sale for this event which features comedy cook George Egg with his latest show Set Menu. Tickets include the show, refreshments and festival information.Full information at www.ripontheatrefestival.org

Main image: We’re Not Going Back – Red Ladder’s thought-provoking musical comedy, will be one of the festival highlights: Picture Ripon Theatre Festival

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Who exactly was Mrs Carey and what was her connection to Bloomsbury Group poet Vita Sackville-West?

That’s the tantalising mystery that Ripon-based professional book sleuth and curio hunter Daniel Hornsey of Hornseys Gallery, is attempting to unravel.

Mr Hornsey, who has worked from his Kirkgate shop for three decades, is recognised in the world of literature and collecting for his uncanny knack of tracking down the rarest of first edition books, with associations to some of the world’s best-known real life and fictional characters.

These have ranged from James Bond creator Ian Fleming to Winnie The Pooh – who has his 100th birthday in December.

Now his attention is turned to Mrs Carey,  the sleuth’s only missing piece in the Sackville-West story,

Her name appears in a signed letter which, along with an enclosed three-page hand-written manuscript, was posted to her by the world-famous poet in May 1933.The letter and manuscript are among the rarest items in Mr Hornsey’s possession and he is trying to find out why she gave it so readily to Mrs Carey, instead of keeping it on her files

The married Ms Sackville-West raised eyebrows in 1920s society when she and Virginia Woolf became lovers. Both were members of the group of artists, writers and philosophers and progressive thinkers, whose influence is still apparent to this day.

The May 1933 letter to Mrs Carey

Dates on the letter check out and substantiate the provenance of the enclosure — an amended draft, of the epic poem Sissinghurst,  celebrating the splendour of the garden that the writer lovingly created at the Kent castle of that name.

But Mrs Carey and her part in this literary quiz, remains unanswered and in the ancient city of Ripon, the sleuth’s online search continues.

Vita Sackville-West

Virginia Woolf. Pic: The Parish Review

Sackville-West’s ‘Collected Poems, Volume One, published in 1933 at the Hogarh Press owned by Ms Woolf and her husband Leonard, is a collectors’ item in its own right, but there is much more to it.

Found concealed within the pages of the anthology was a signed letter and a three-page hand-written manuscript, which had been posted by the poet to the mysterious recipient.

Mr Hornsey told the Stray Ferret:

“With the passage of time, highly sought-after collectors’ items of this quality and condition very rarely come on the market and they can be worth a fortune.

“This isn’t just any manuscript with accompanying signed letter, but one featuring an iteration of Ms Sackville-West’s epic and most famous poem Sissinghurst, celebrating the splendour of the garden that the writer created at the Kent castle of that name The property is now owned by the National Trust.”

The letter read:

“Dear Mrs Carey, I find that I have not got a typewritten copy of the poem you wanted, so I hope you will forgive me for sending it to you in manuscript’.”

Mr Hornsey said:

“Attached to this letter with a now-removed but retained paperclip are three pages of lined A4 paper onto which she has extraordinarily written the entire Sissinghurst poem in fountain pen. Written in praise of her house and garden, which she had bought as a farmstead ‘of squalor and disorder’ in 1930.

“It contains a number of corrections by her with directions where spaces should be, changes in punctuation, some in pen, some in pencil and some textual differences to the version published in this Collected Poems and in the first individual edition of 1931 which was also published by Virginia and Leonard Woolf at The Hogarth Press.

“This manuscript was not in fact written specifically for Mrs Carey: We believe that it is an exceptionally early draft.”

Vita Sackville-West’s hand-written poem

He added:

“Much of this belief hinges on her use of ‘slender tower’ rather than ‘springing tower’, ‘the stagnant moat’ rather than ‘a stagnant moat’ on the first page and ‘Himalayas’ rather than ‘snowy mountains’ mid-way through the poem.

“These words were changed before the 1931 edition and we can never know why Sackville-West gave away this manuscript. She usually kept all her papers, but the language of the letter shows that she was more than happy to do so.”

Mr Hornsey continued:

“Sackville-West had dedicated the Sissinghurst poem: ‘Thursday. To V.W.’ Their love affair covered the period from 1925 – 1935 and from 1930 onwards Vita would begin the transformation of Sissinghurst itself into Britain’s finest 20th century garden.

“Her Sissinghurst home remains as Vita left it when she died, decorated with two photos: one of her husband and one of Virginia Woolf, for whom she wrote this poem.”

The next question for the book sleuth, is where will his incredible discovery next be seen?

The vast majority of Vita Sackville-West’s papers and manuscripts are held by Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library., But, in view of the subject matter, a return to Sissinghurst Castle, would seem appropriate.

However, the National Trust, to whom Mr Hornsey has made an approach, may find itself in a transatlantic bidding war for this very scarce and important item.

In the meantime, the hunt for Mrs Carey goes on …

Main picture: Book sleuth and curio hunter Daniel Hornsey, with the signed letter and three-page hand-written Sackville-West manuscript.

Would-be candidates for the biennial Ripon Civic Society design awards have until the end of the month to submit entries.

The awards, which will be presented in April, recognise project excellence within Ripon and its surrounding areas.

Awards are made in seven categories, ranging from best new building to city centre revitalisation and entries are open until the end of January.

Details of all categories can be found here and more information can be  found by calling the society’s co-chair David Winpenny on 01765 608320

He told the Stray Ferret,

“We keep a weather eye on local developments and events, but we are conscious that things can sometimes slip below our radar. So we should appreciate hearing about anything that might potentially qualify for recognition at our awards ceremony.

“Although judging of a shortlist will not take place until early March, long-listed nominations are required by the end of January. Entries can be submitted online.”

Picture: Grantley Hall was a multiple winner at the society’s 2022 design awards

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Ripon-based photographer Tyler Parker (pictured above) is staking the claim of being the youngest businessman in North Yorkshire.

At 17, the former Harrogate College and Nidderdale High School student, is gaining clients through the quality of his work and a willingness to cover assignments in all weather conditions.

Tyler told the Stray Ferret:

“Having completed my level 3 extended diploma photography course at the college, I decided the time was right to launch my business.

“Sometimes the photoshoots involve early morning starts covering mass participation events that take place come rain or shine and this has seen me carrying out paid work for organisations such as Ripon’s Royal Engineers, the young farmers’ organisation and tractor clubs.”

One of Tyler Parker’s many photos from the tractor run at F. Tate and Sons.

A testimonial from Ripon’s 21 Engineer Regiment, which can be seen on his website, says:

“We love having Tyler along with us at public events as he is always so punctual and always works around us, while being able to create photos we love.”

Tyler started taking photographs two years ago and made the smart move of getting himself and his photography known by initially working on a pro bono basis.

He said:

“I put myself out there by contacting everyone I could find who was hosting an event and then offering to take and supply the photographs free of charge. I’m pleased to say that this led to paid-for assignments.

“Currently I offer indoor and outdoor services, including portable studio photography, use of drones for aerial shots and videography.”

Tyler added:

“I’m always looking for new ways of expanding my business and the latest addition is the provision of a on-site printing service, which gives people taking part in events the opportunity to purchase and go home with photographs taken on the day.”

Are you a young entrepreneur who has just set up in business? Let us know your story by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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BBC wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham urged his 630,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter, to support the ‘save our trees’ petitioners in Ripon on Friday.

He said:

“Ripon Cathedral were due to fell 11 beech trees in a conservation area to build a cafe, but paused when made aware @Channel4News were coming to interview campaigners.”

“Tree vandalism’ in our precious urban green spaces must end – please support those that are fighting back . . .”

Chris Packham

Alex Thomson

Feargal Sharkey

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The cathedral responds

In response to Mr Packham’s claim that the cathedral’s actions in pausing the planning application were carried out only because of the Channel 4 interest in the plans, a spokeswoman for the Dean and Chapter, said:

“This is not the case at all. This pause and opportunity for further consultation was discussed by Chapter in the autumn and the decision made to request a pause in December. This took effect once planning officers gave their approval in January. Conversations with Channel 4 about the opportunity to speak with them are unrelated.”

The spokeswoman, added:

“It should also be noted that the cathedral is not planning to remove 11 Beech trees from a conservation area.”

The 1,000 sq metres annexe would include an 80-seat refectory, gift shop, song school, new toilets with accessibility for disabled people and space for storage. But the cathedral proposes to make space by removing the trees and compensating for their loss by planting 300 trees on private land near Studley.

Last month, the proposed removal of a veteran beech and 10 other mature trees from Minster Gardens brought a similar call from pop star-turned-environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey  who brought the issue to the attention of his 229,000 followers on X.

He described the proposal to plant 300 trees on land near Studley as compensation for the felled Minster Gardens trees as “greenwashing at its finest”.

Environmental journalist Mr Thomson was scheduled to visit Ripon on January 30 to report on plans for a £6 million development and while that is now on hold, he is keeping an eye on developments in liaison with fellow environmental journalist and Ripon-based tree campaigner, Brian McHugh.

The Woodland Trust’s reaction

The beech tree is on the Woodland Trust’s inventory of ancient trees.

Jack Taylor, lead campaigner at the conservation charity, said on Wednesday it was “delighted” the cathedral was reconsidering its plans. He added:

“With 80% of the UK population living in urban areas, urban trees provide so many benefits, from cleaning our air, to capturing carbon, shading our streets and supporting urban wildlife.

“We would also like to extend our gratitude to the local people who have taken up the fight for their trees. These irreplaceable living legends absolutely need people to stand up for them. We now encourage Ripon Cathedral to go back to the drawing board and ensure they are protected.”

The day before the trust’s announcement, the Stray Ferret revealed the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson and the cathedral chapter, had put the plans on hold “for a number of months”.

An aerial computer generated image of the proposed annexe development. Picture Ripon Renewed..

Ripon city council leader Andrew Williams, had called for the cathedral to pause its plans shortly before it did so.

The cathedral’s statement

A statement issued on behalf of the Dean and Chapter on Tuesday afternoon, said:

“Following continued and constructive collaboration with planners from North Yorkshire Council, Ripon Cathedral has taken the decision to pause the planning application for its proposed north side development for a number of months.

“During this period, there will be opportunities for additional consultation, where we will once again be able to listen to comments and concerns from the people of Ripon and the region in relation to the proposed new building. We will also continue to work constructively with the planners and other key stakeholders.

“We hope that this will allow us to move forward in a way that considers people’s genuine concerns and takes in the opinions of stakeholders, whilst allowing us to deliver the amenities that the cathedral so desperately needs along with the benefits the building will bring to the city and region.

“The exhibition of the project remains in the cathedral and further opportunities for informed feedback will be advertised on our social media channels and website in due course.”.

 

Main image: Save our Trees campaigners led by Ripon resident Jenni Holman who has raised a petition with more than 2,100 signatures.

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• Cathedral development would see loss of veteran Beech and 10 other trees

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Ripon Cathedral is to pause its controversial annexe planning application following a request by city councillor Andrew Williams.

The proposed £6 million development, which would house a refectory, song school, shop and Changing Places Toilet, will be put on hold ‘for a number of months’  to allow further consultation with all interested parties.

These include campaigners with a 2,100-name petition raised in a bid to save a veteran beech and 10 other mature trees from being cut down to make way for the two-storey standalone building on Minster Gardens — a green public open space currently owned by North Yorkshire Council.

A statement issued this afternoon, on behalf of the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson and the Cathedral Chapter said:

“Following continued and constructive collaboration with planners from North Yorkshire Council, Ripon Cathedral has taken the decision to pause the planning application for its proposed north side development for a number of months.

“During this period, there will be opportunities for additional consultation, where we will once again be able to listen to comments and concerns from the people of Ripon and the region in relation to the proposed new building. We will also continue to work constructively with the planners and other key stakeholders.

“We hope that this will allow us to move forward in a way that considers people’s genuine concerns and takes in the opinions of stakeholders, whilst allowing us to deliver the amenities that the cathedral so desperately needs along with the benefits the building will bring to the city and region.

“The exhibition of the project remains in the cathedral and further opportunities for informed feedback will be advertised on our social media channels and website in due course.”

A petition by Ripon resident and save our trees campaigner Jenni Holman has already been signed by 2,100 people, some of whom attended this peaceful protest on November 25.

Cllr Williams approached the cathedral seeking a three-month pause following a vote taken last month by city councillors to withdraw its ‘in principle’ support for the  scheme and formally object to the proposal.

The vote to object was carried by four votes to three at the December 11 meeting. Councillors Williams and Barbara Brodigan, who sit on North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon area constituency committee planning committee, absented themselves from the meeting and did not take part in the debate that preceded the vote.

Cllr Williams told the Stray Ferret:

“As the divisional member for North Yorkshire Council I indicated in February last year that I have a duty to represent those on both sides of the issue.

“As a result, I asked the cathedral to pause their application to allow them time to assess fully the objections raised to their current proposals.

“This will allow time for a site meeting to take place with officers from North Yorkshire Council planning and the applicant to see whether it is possible to meet the core objectives of the cathedral whilst addressing the concerns raised to the current plans.”

The veteran Beech tree.

He added:

“If after further deliberations have taken place it does prove possible for Ripon Cathedral to bring forward new proposals, these should be the subject of widespread public consultation and I have already suggested to the Dean that such public consultation would be best undertaken away from the cathedral itself.

“I hope that all sides of this debate will now take a step back and look at how best Ripon can move forward together as a community. In my view it is vital that Ripon has a viable and sustainable cathedral as I believe do the vast majority of the objectors to the current proposals.

“I would like to make it clear that I am not expressing any view on the merits of the current planning application, simply seeking to see if common ground can be found between everyone.”

The cathedral said in a statement the Dean was “pleased that Cllr Williams’ views were consistent with the thoughts of Chapter”, adding it had been “listening to many voices and working constructively with planners”. It added:

“It is as a result of all of this that the cathedral reached a decision to engage in renewed consultation before further developments.”