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.

For full details on the project and to hear from key stakeholders visit Ripon Cathedral Renewed.

In order to keep the communication lines open, the cathedral is currently working on the following: 

• an updated leaflet with regards to the proposed plans answering the most frequently asked questions with sign posting to further information
• a number of drop-in sessions throughout February and March when anyone can come into the cathedral to have their questions answered by a member of the cathedral team, look at the existing display, see the proposed area and understand the reasons why the location has been selected. Look out for dates to follow. As ever the cathedral is open every day; entry is free
• a series of stakeholder engagement sessions during February and March where we will invite groups to meet with us and discuss the plans, the benefits, and the areas of contention. These will be both at the cathedral and in city centre locations
• a comments form for constructive feedback in the cathedral and online 

Whilst building on the previous consultation period and many meetings and drop-in sessions, all these activities are designed to engage further with as many people as possible, to raise awareness of the benefits of the building, to answer your questions, dispel any myths and identify areas for creative thinking with possible practical amendments to the cathedral’s plans, while acknowledging the overall needs. We want to have open discussions to find a way forward. After the two months, we will need further time to reflect on these discussions and feedback to ascertain the next steps.