Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Jan 2024

Last Updated: 17/01/2024

Campaigner ‘delighted’ at Ripon Cathedral pausing annexe plans

by Thomas Barrett Local Democracy Reporter

| 17 Jan, 2024

Ripon Cathedral trees

The woman who has led the campaign against Ripon Cathedral’s £6m annexe says she is “unquestionably delighted” by the decision to pause the plans.

The cathedral issued a statement yesterday that said the proposals would be paused for several months in order to “consider people’s genuine concerns and takes in the opinions of stakeholders.”

The proposed new song school and cafe would be built next to the cathedral, but the plans have been highly controversial.

Local businesses have said it will take trade away from them and there have been protests against the felling of several trees that would make way for the new building.

The plans have not been scrapped but could now be altered so the cathedral can overcome some of the concerns put forward by objectors.

Jenni Holman, who helped organise the protests as well as a petition that has garnered thousands of signatures, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that she hopes there can now be a way forward that satisfies all parties.

Ms Holman said:

“This move is welcomed because I feel it is a step towards the town working together with the Dean and Chapter to reach a compromise, which would be that the trees are left to flourish while the cathedral obtains a song school and, for the benefit of everyone, more acceptable toilet facilities.

“I think it demonstrates the importance of full public consultation so that such battles can be avoided in future.”

“I am overwhelmed by the support, and the number of signatures on the petition which exceeded 2,100, all of whom lived in or visited Ripon. It was intentionally a paper petition which required people to see for themselves the area in dispute.

“I am pleased that as well as this swathe of opinion, that the points made by bodies such as The Woodland Trust, the Ripon Civic Society and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as well as the valid objections by individuals were listened to.”

Ripon Cathedral said in its statement yesterday:

“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.

The Woodland Trust shares 'delight'

The Woodland Trust has also welcomed the news of plans being halted.

Jack Taylor, lead campaigner of the woodland conservation charity, today said:

“We're delighted to hear that Ripon Cathedral are reconsidering plans that would result in the tragic loss of a number of veteran, notable and mature trees.

"We know how important urban trees are for both people and wildlife, and even more so when they are ancient or veteran. 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."

For full details on the project are available here.

Exclusive: Ripon Cathedral ‘pauses’ controversial annex planning application

Killinghall roadworks to remain for another eight days

Thank you for your interest in this story

Campaigner ‘delighted’ at Ripon Cathedral pausing annexe plans

The Woodland Trust shares 'delight'

Read more: