Ripon Cathedral says it will look at potential “practical adjustments” to its plans to build a controversial £8m new annexe.
The proposed new song school and cafe would be built next to the cathedral on an area called Minster Gardens.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson, maintains the annexe is crucial to offer 21st-century facilities including new toilets whilst safeguarding the future of its choir.
However, the cathedral paused its planning application to North Yorkshire Council in January following opposition.
Local businesses have said it will take trade away from them and there have been protests against the felling of 11 trees.
In recent months the cathedral held a series of 22 drop-in sessions where members of the church were on hand to discuss the plans and receive feedback.
It has now published the results of the consultation and said that 77% approve of its plans for the annexe.
They added that the results will be reviewed so the cathedral can “identify opportunities for areas of creative thinking” and “potential practical adjustments” to the plans.
They said the plans must still align with the cathedral’s requirements for the new building.
A Ripon Cathedral spokesperson said it received more than 900 comments during the consultation.
They said:
“Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation. We value and respect the diverse opinions and concerns raised about the proposed plans and have been grateful for the opportunity to engage in meaningful and constructive conversations.
“Conversations will then take place with planning officers. After this, we will share a further update on progress.”
Last week, local conservation group Ripon Civic Society offered a critique of the annexe plans in a submission to North Yorkshire Council.
It said:
“The building does not work well in its location as designed other than as a functional need to provide toilets as close to the cathedral as possible, nor does it relate well to the setting or views of the surroundings.”
For more information on the plans, visit the Ripon Cathedral Renewed page.
Fodder to host Yorkshire supplier open call night
North Yorkshire praised for diversity of visitor economy
Knaresborough postman's drawings raise £1,800 for LGI Neurosciences
Robotics National Final to be held in Harrogate
Grantley Hall to star in new Channel 5 series
Newby Hall to reopen next week with new events
Bridal hair stylist launches new wellness business in Harrogate
BBC television series looks to cast Harrogate children for new series
Race for life to return to the Stray this July
Harrogate Neighbours team to cycle 100 miles for Red Nose Day
Pannal PTA Ball raises £7,000 for Pannal Primary School
Harrogate Musical Festival back for its 60th Anniversary
Harrogate BID announces upcoming Easter Egg Trail
Average house price in Harrogate rises to £405k reports say
Sir Geoffrey Boycott announced as guest speaker for Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity golf day
The Knaresborough Boats back on the river for 2026
Harrogate Mcdonald's re-opens after one month closure
Harrogate MP highlights importance of local museums in parliamentary debate
Tech company becomes first sponsor of new Harrogate College Campus
Air Ambulance calls on schools to 'turn yellow' for Yorkshire
