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Sept 2023

Last Updated: 25/09/2023

Environment

Felling trees for Ripon Cathedral expansion presents 'moral dilemma', says Dean

by Tim Flanagan

| 25 Sept, 2023

The Dean of Ripon has said plans to remove trees from Minster Gardens to make way for a new £6 million cathedral building presented a "moral dilemma".

The Very Revd. John Dobson presented the cathedral's annual review on Saturday.

It addressed plans to fell 11 trees, including a beech listed by the Woodland Trust as having veteran status, to create space for a two-storey building on the gardens to the north of the ancient building.

The proposed annex development, which includes a song school, refectory, accessible toilets, shop and additional storage space, is part of the Ripon Cathedral Renewed project which aims to safeguard the future of the cathedral.

The Dean said all possible options for the location of the annex had been considered.

In a leaflet given to parishioners and members of the public who attended on Saturday, Dean John said:

"We regret the need to fell 11 trees and are sympathetic to public concern. There is a moral dilemma though which requires balancing this with urgent needs and undeniable benefits."

"Providing 21st century facilities is not only essential, but will help to attract more visitors to the cathedral and thereby to the city."

He added:

"Ripon Cathedral attracts 100,000 visitors per year, in addition to pilgrims, worshippers and concert goers. Experts predict that this project will result in an increase in numbers of between 30% and 50% — good news for the local economy and local businesses."

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The Dean acknowledged not everybody was in favour of the development and said:

"Some people here today will disagree with us about the felling of trees. We respect those people, but we disagree with them."

Jenni Holman, who has raised a petition signed by 1,400 people opposing the removal of trees to make way for the annex, said:

"The loss of mature trees and impact on the wildlife that depend upon them for habitat is totally unacceptable.

"This is not about a difference of opinions, it's something that we say is just wrong."

As part of its mitigation strategy, the cathedral proposes to plant 300 native trees on land near Studley, but fellow objector Pat Waterfall questioned:

"How will the planting of trees outside the city mitigate for the huge carbon footprint of the new building?

Councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon planning committee are expected to adjudicate on the application this year.

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