Campaigners have welcomed a decision by Ripon Cathedral to withdraw its controversial annexe plans.
The decision comes just weeks before the scheme, which would have seen a café, gift shop, song school, additional storage space and new toilets built on Minster Gardens, was due to be debated by North Yorkshire councillors.
The cathedral chapter said it was withdrawing its planning application after the scheme failed to get the backing of Ripon City Council.
It added in a statement issued today:
“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.”
The chapter said the debate surrounding the annexe had been “challenging and difficult for everyone, but especially for cathedral staff and supporters”.
It added:
“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.
“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.”
The plans have divided opinion within Ripon and the surrounding area.
Revised plans were drawn up amid public anger about the destruction of 11 trees to make way for the annexe.
The changed proposal would have seen 12 trees removed, but one heritage beech tree saved and 23 new trees planted in mitigation.
Hundreds of people on both sides of the argument have submitted comments to the council.
The Save Our Trees group which was formed to fight the plans welcomed the decision to withdraw the application.
A spokesperson added:
“It is a vindication for campaigners who have tirelessly fought for the past two years to protect the local park against a large development and developer.
“In a sense, it is unfortunate that the proposal has not been rejected by the council, but has been withdrawn by the applicant, which avoids the scrutiny and judgement of the planning councillors.
“We hope that this does not mean a renewed attempt once the media spotlight moves on.”
Announcing the withdrawal, the cathedral chapter said it wanted to clarify that all costs for developing the annexe proposals had been covered by fundraising from supporters.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
