Ripon: Parish poll proposed over cathedral's £8m new annexe

The poll would allow residents to have their say on the cathedral's plans

A referendum on a proposal for a new £8m annexe at Ripon Cathedral could be held if residents agree.

The parish poll has been proposed by Stanley Mackintosh and would ask for people's opinion on the plans.

The cathedral's plans resulted in 2,000 people signing a petition against them and it paused its planning application in January for further consultation.

The church has been asked for comment on Mr Mackintosh's proposed referendum, which would not be legally binding.

However, he said it was still a "very powerful democratic device".

It will be debated by Ripon City Council next month and Mr Mackintosh will need the support of just 10 residents for it to move forward.

The cathedral has said its plans for Minster Gardens would enable it to offer modern facilities

Mr Mackintosh said it would "allow everybody to express their view, just like in an election".

"We'll try to include all key points," he said.

"It's an analysis of people's opinions on all the main issues. In the end, we all want an outcome that benefits the cathedral and keeps it strong."

The cost of the poll could be as much as £10,000, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The cathedral has previously said its plans for Minster Gardens would enable it to offer modern facilities and safeguard the future of its 60-strong choir.

Opponents have expressed concerns about its impact on businesses in the area, the annexe's location and the potential felling of some trees.