The Chapter of Ripon Cathedral has this week taken the decision to withdraw the current planning application for its proposed annex on the north side of the cathedral.

While the need for the facilities which the proposed new building would deliver grows ever more urgent, we believe, as we always have, that our development must be part of a wider agreed plan for the city. This includes creating a ‘Cathedral Quarter’, which would deliver wider benefits to the city and county.

As a result, central to the development of our plans for the annex has been a belief that we were working within the Neighbourhood Plan (adopted after a local referendum) to create that Cathedral Quarter. However, we were saddened that Ripon City Council did not support the proposed annex in its December meeting, despite the many eloquent arguments placed before them and the amendments that had been made to retain the beech tree. In addition, we continue to be asked for ever more proof of viability and justification within the planning system.

The debate within the city has been challenging and difficult for everyone, but especially for cathedral staff and supporters. The intention in withdrawing the current application is to allow the further development and amendment of our plans to be discussed constructively and positively – balancing the many complex constraints and opportunities.

Despite comments to the contrary, the financial sustainability of Ripon Cathedral cannot be taken for granted – and this has been highlighted recently by the current situation of some other cathedrals in England.

With this in mind, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the vision for Ripon Cathedral. With growing numbers of worshippers, visitors, pilgrims, and concertgoers, along with our flourishing choir, the provision of essential facilities (including toilets) for all those who use the cathedral remains an urgent priority. We are also dedicated to protecting the fabric of the cathedral for future generations, some of which has been in continuous use for over 1,350 years and is currently at risk from its inappropriate use for essential storage.

We want to clarify that all costs for developing the proposals, and amending them to respond to the feedback received, have been covered by fundraising. I want to pay tribute to the ongoing generous support of donors and funders, along with the efforts of all who support this ongoing venture.

The whole Chapter joins me in thanking staff, volunteers and all in the wider cathedral community for continuing to achieve so much while battling with the inadequate facilities.

We now look to work constructively with North Yorkshire Council and Ripon City Council on how the essential needs of the cathedral can be met and will be asking them to share their vision for how the Cathedral Quarter will be developed.