A December decision date looks possible for the controversial Ripon Cathedral annexe planning application.

Planners at North Yorkshire Council have confirmed that they have agreed an extension until December 3 for consideration of the proposed £8 million development on Minster Gardens – the same day that the Skipton and Ripon Area planning committee has a scheduled meeting.

Plans for a two-storey standalone annexe building were submitted 18 months ago and in January the cathedral paused its application 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 Council's ownership.

After pausing its plans, the cathedral held 22 consultation drop-in events to 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 scheme would include a song school, 80-seater refectory, Changing Places toilet, shop and additional storage space.

Last month the Stray Ferret contacted the Ripon Cathedral Renewed communications team and asked the following two questions:

• Based on the comments made by members of the public who attended drop-in sessions held at the cathedral earlier this year, is a revised planning application being drawn up?

• Can you advise when the application, either in its current or revised form, will be going to the Skipton and Ripon constituency area planning committee of North Yorkshire Council?

The communications team responded with the following statement: