Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has signed a letter of support for Ripon Cathedral’s revised plans for an £8 million annexe.

The Cathedral Support Group, which is in favour of the Minster Gardens development, asked Dr Williams and other leading figures if they would agree to include their signatures to the letter.

The letter says the scheme would provide ‘badly needed’ new facilities for the cathedral, eliminate the need for entrance fees and ‘could have a significant effect on Ripon’s local economy’ by encouraging more people to visit and stay longer.

Other signatories include Baroness Harris of Richmond, Lord Richard Newby and Charlotte Peel, the Countess of Peel. The full list, and the entire letter, is published below.

However, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds and Sir Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, are not among the signatories, despite being approached.

Dr Williams previously urged the cathedral to “think again” about its plans, which involved the loss of a veteran beech tree and 10 others. The new plans would see more trees lost, but the veteran beech retained.

The letter ends:

The cathedral submitted plans for a two-storey annexe on Minster Gardens in 2022. It would include a cathedral choir school, cafe, toilets and disabled access.

But the plans proved controversial, particularly the loss of trees, and the cathedral paused the application in January for further consultation before publishing its revised plans this month.

Currently, North Yorkshire Council has received 189 expressions of support for the scheme and 133 objections.

is expected to adjudicate on the application early next year.

What do you think of the revised plans? Let us know in the Comments section below.

The letter and signatories in full 

We are writing to offer our strong support for the proposed Ripon Cathedral annex project. In response to concerns about the original proposals, the new plans ensure the badly needed facilities will be contained within a sympathetic environment. This initiative represents an essential step forward for Ripon Cathedral and the surrounding community, promising substantial economic, cultural, and environmental benefits.

As a major cultural and religious hub, Ripon Cathedral attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. It supports a rich programme of concerts, events, and educational initiatives. But, the current facilities fall far short of meeting visitor and cathedral needs, with inadequate amenities and space for activities severely limited. The annex project addresses these issues head-on by providing modern facilities, such as accessible toilets, enhanced space for community events, with improved accessibility. These vital changes will ensure that the cathedral will continue to flourish as a vibrant centre for worship, education, and tourism – and will eliminate the need for entrance fees that would deter potential visitors.

The economic impact of this project is undeniable. With an estimated 35% increase in visitors, the annex could have a significant effect on Ripon’s local economy. By encouraging longer visitor stays this project would boost local businesses, create new job opportunities and raise Ripon’s profile as a must-visit destination. Having an attraction like Fountains Abbey nearby would encourage the tourist industry to offer packages to visit both.

Furthermore, the environmental aspects of the project have been thoroughly considered. A statement Of community involvement acknowledges the loss of the veteran tree was a significant concern and as a result of feedback the revised proposal now seeks to safeguard the veteran tree. Also the new proposal will result in the loss of 12 trees, the plan includes the planting of 23 new trees around the cathedral, nine on the north side and 14 to the south. As part of the proposal to enhance biodiversity, some 300 trees are also proposed to be planted around Ripon. The cathedral’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity by planting additional trees and revitalising the surrounding area demonstrates a thoughtful, sustainable approach. This will result in a more attractive and welcoming public space for the community and for future generations.

In conclusion, the Ripon Cathedral annex project is a visionary initiative that will secure the future of Ripon Cathedral and bring lasting benefits to the entire community.

Sincerely

Rt Revd & Rt Hon Lord Rowan Williams, Baroness Harris of Richmond, Lord Richard Newby, The Countess Charlotte Peel DL, David Kerfoot CBE DL, Richard Compton DL (Newby Hall), Simon Theakston DL, Professor Joyce Hill, Tom Ramsden DL, Mick Stanley (former Ripon Mayor), Judith Donovan CBE, Dr. Christopher Bennett, David Ingham,Sarah Day (Partner DLA Piper UK LLP), Anne-Marie Tarter, David Elsy, Dr. Angus Livingston, Dr. Rosemary Livingston, Simon Hewitt, Malcolm Hanson, Rev Cannon Paul Maybury, Martin Pearman (former head teacher Ripon Grammar School), Councillor Andrew Murday, Liberal Democrat candidate Skipton & Ripon constituency 2024, Malcolm Birks, Labour candidate Skipton and Ripon Constituency 2024, Guy Phoenix, Business spokesman for the Heritage Party