North Yorkshire Council is continuing to threaten to remove posters outside the home of a campaigner who is protesting against Ripon Cathedral’s £8m annexe plans.
But several months after the council first issued a notice that demanded they be taken down, the posters are still there.
Stanley Mackintosh, who owns the property on Kirkgate, argues he has a legal right to display them and is protected under freedom of speech.
The council says the posters constitute an advert and he does not have planning permission for them.
Since the posters were first put up, Mr Mackintosh claims there have been “numerous devious attempts” to remove them.
He lives a short walk from the cathedral and each day curious onlookers and tourists have stopped to look at them, which includes a cartoon depicting the Dean of Ripon holding a chainsaw.
The plans have been controversial in the city particularly due to the proposed felling of 11 trees that would make way for the new building.
North Yorkshire Council’s head of development management, Martin Grainger, said:
“The boarding outside the property at Kirkgate, Ripon, has not been removed as requested.
"We are now considering taking formal action to require the removal of the boarding which constitutes an advert.”
Mr Mackintosh said:
“None of the numerous devious attempts or threats to remove the public information display have had sustainable legal heft, so none have succeeded.
"As for the cathedral’s supposed justification for building a carbuncle annexe on our public park, that seems to be just magical thinking.”
North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon planning committee is set to finally meet before the end of this year to make a decision on Ripon Cathedral’s plans.
It will come as a relief for many in the city as the plans have proved to be divisive.
This year, the Cathedral held several consultation events regarding the annexe after it paused its planning application in January.
It maintains the annexe is crucial to offer 21st-century facilities whilst safeguarding the future of its choir.
Communities asked to help support new opportunities in Harrogate
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust signs Smokefree Pledge
Henshaws Festive Showcase to return to Ripon for a second year
Dame Judi Dench calls Harrogate Spring Water plans '‘environmental vandalism’
Theme park in Ripon listed for sale at £3 Million
Ripon Community Bonfire to return next week
Harrogate festival shortlisted for 'Best Festival Newcomer' award
Do Not Drink Warning issued for parts of Harrogate after water quality tests
Police identify man who died after collision in Beckwithshaw
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show
Specsavers to support Halloween events in Ripon
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate
New Cold Bath Road restaurant announces opening date
Kids eat free at Zizzi in Harrogate this half term
