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Jan 2024

Last Updated: 27/01/2024

Call for Ripon Cathedral to take inspiration from Hull Minster extension

by Tim Flanagan

| 28 Jan, 2024

Ripon Cathedral may need to look no further than Hull to find a remedy to the angst that its annexe planning application is causing in the city among tree campaigners and traders.

Across the road from Minster Gardens, where plans for a £6 million two-storey building have been put on hold, is a strip of land owned by the cathedral that could be an alternative location for a development housing at least some of the 21st century facilities that visitors to the ancient building need.

David Rhodes, an architectural expert and former planner with Harrogate Borough Council was, during 30 years with the authority, involved in handling planning applications submitted by previous deans and chapters at the cathedral.

He told the Stray Ferret:

"I respectfully ask Dean John and the cathedral chapter to take a close look at how Hull Minster tackled and solved its space issues in a way that achieved consensus and the buy-in of the local community."

He added:

"The January issue of Architects Journal contains a five-page article on how Hull Minster has tackled a similar series of needs. Clearly different to suit Hull, but their quality extension on the south side of the building could be a creative potential on the north side at Ripon.

"The Hull extension is in a modern Gothic metal frame but could equally be in stone at Ripon.

"On the north side grass verge area, Ripon Cathedral could achieve its required toilets and some storage or a kitchen. Freeing the potential to have a much-needed choir facility in a cathedral cloister quadrangle adjoining the offices on the stonemasons yard. Or other property / land phased adjustments in the Cathedral Quarter."

Mr Rhodes continued:

"There is no doubt in my mind, having before retirement, worked with numerous deans, canons etc at Ripon, relating to the remarkable properties and land holdings in the Close / Cathedral Quarter, there are numerous potentials to enhance both the City and Cathedral Quarter.

"In the mid 1990s there was a partnership of numerous negotiated ideas that brought enhancements for the cathedral, including a new forecourt, and creation of a northern walking route, that enabled local residents and visitors to walk around the outside of the building and enjoy viewing its north, south, east and west vistas.

"The development programme which followed consultation with all interested parties, also saw refurbishment of Thorpe Prebend House, new toilets built behind an upgraded Wakesman's House and the building of a new wooden bridge across the River Skell, that provided an additional means of access to the cathedral and its grounds.

"It really is amazing when considering what can be achieved from an 'open consultation' between NYC, RCC, Cathedral, city amenity groups etc. and its in everybody's interests to have a united 'Ripon Cathedral City'.

Cathedral response

A cathedral spokesperson said in a statement the Hull option had been "discounted for a number of reasons".

The statement said:

"The dean, cathedral architect and other members of the cathedral’s team are aware of the thoughts and suggestions of Mr Rhodes, as well as of the development at Hull Minster. A north side development has been considered and discounted for a number of reasons.

"Please refer to a letter posted on North Yorkshire Council's website written by Mr Guy Wilson, chair of Ripon Cathedral fabric advisory committee, established by law as the cathedral's own planning authority. This letter was written last year in response to Mr Rhodes and outlines some key reasons why such a development was discounted.

"We are grateful to Mr Rhodes for his suggestions. Obviously, we are looking for the thoughts and views of thousands of people, it will be impossible and would be quite inappropriate, therefore, to discuss every one of them in this additional period of consultation."

The statement added:

"It is also important in these coming weeks, free from misleading and distorting information, for people to hear why the cathedral is making its present proposals. In turn, the cathedral is very keen to hear the informed concerns and suggestions of as many people as possible. The fact that people are already thinking about this, recognising the cathedral’s needs and offering suggestions, is to be welcomed.

"The dean has accepted every invitation over the last week to speak with regional radio and newspapers to explain the cathedral's vision and the reasons for suggesting the proposed location. He has taken the opportunity in every case to emphasise the cathedral's desire to hear from as many people as possible."

Main picture: The Gothic-style extension at Hull Minster

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Call for Ripon Cathedral to take inspiration from Hull Minster extension

Cathedral response

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