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23
Jul 2024
When will Ripon Cathedral's planning application finally be heard?
It's 18 months since Ripon Cathedral submitted plans for a two-storey standalone annexe building on Minster Gardens.
The proposals, which have divided opinion in the city, will eventually be considered by North Yorkshire Council's Skipton and Ripon planning committee — but there is still no date for when this will happen.
The cathedral paused its planning application in January amid widespread concern about the loss of 11 trees, including a veteran beech, on the gardens located to the north of the Grade I listed buiilding. The green open space is currently in North Yorkshire's ownership.
After pausing its plans in January, the cathedral held 22 consultation drop-in events so it could listen to feedback as it sought to to find a way forward that allayed concerns while pressing ahead with plans to provide 21st century facilities for visitors, congregation, choristers, volunteers, staff and clergy.
The £8 million scheme would include a song school, 80-seater refectory, Changing Places toilet, shop and additional storage space.
Today, the Ripon Cathedral Renewed communications team, issued a brief statement to the Stray Ferret, which said:
Our team of experts continue to work through proposals and ideas put forward during the most recent consultation period in order to determine whether any of these could be incorporated into our plans.
An announcement will be made as soon as this process is concluded.
The campaigners' fundraising event was held in the grounds of The Old Deanery Restaurant
Old Deanery fundraiser
While the planning process continues, campaigners are preparing for the next phase of their battle to save the veteran beech and 10 other mature trees that face the axe under the current application.
On Saturday, 'save our trees' campaigner Jenni Holman, who has raised a petition signed by more than 2,600 like-minded people, organised a fundraising event in the grounds of The Old Deanery Restaurant, which stands adjacent to Minster Gardens.
The money raised has gone into a 'fighting fund' which is being used to pay for the services of lawyers and other professional advisors who will present the campaigners' case.
The afternoon tea and entertainment was hosted by Rebecca Layton, who runs the fine-dining restaurant with her husband, Chris and Ms Holman, said:
It was a great success and the fact that we sold 200 tickets indicates the strength of feeling that remains among those who want to save the trees.
We were also delighted that Tamara Ullyart from the Woodland Trust made a guest appearance to speak in support of our campaign.
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