Ripon Cathedral withdraws £8m annexe plans amid controversy

Ripon Cathedral has withdrawn its planning application for an £8 million annex, which included facilities like a café, song school, and toilets, after failing to secure support from Ripon City Council in December. The cathedral's chapter emphasized the need for the development to align with a broader plan to create a 'Cathedral Quarter' that would benefit the city and county. The decision to withdraw aims to facilitate further discussions and revisions of the plans, which faced significant public debate and concerns over the removal of trees. The cathedral highlighted the growing urgency for the proposed facilities to accommodate increasing worshippers and visitors, while also stressing the importance of financial sustainability. Despite the setback, the chapter remains committed to the vision for Ripon Cathedral and hopes to collaborate with local councils on future plans. The controversy surrounding the original proposal has highlighted the complex dynamics of urban development and community engagement.