Ripon Civic Society wins Peter Spawforth award for planning work

Ripon Civic Society was recognised by the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies (YHACS) with the Peter Spawforth Award for its two-year campaign opposing the location of the proposed Ripon Cathedral annexe.

The Cathedral withdrew its planning application in January 2024.

Margaret Hicks-Clarke, chair of YHACS, said: “Ripon Civic Society’s entry for the Peter Spawforth Award was an excellent example of a Society tackling an important local issue in a measured and professional way.

“They used the expertise within their own ranks, as well as collaboration with outside bodies, to campaign for a better outcome for the city of Ripon. We felt that the Society was a worthy winner!”

The society stressed that it did not oppose the cathedral’s need for additional space but argued that the proposed site – an important public area – was unsuitable.

This is the second time Ripon Civic Society has won the award, having previously been recognised in 2019 for its Ripon ReViewed photographic project.

The society was also a runner-up in 2012 for its work during the Olympic Torch run and Civic Day celebrations.

Rachel Wigginton, planning lead for Ripon Civic Society, said: “This was one of the largest and most sustained campaigns the Society has conducted for several decades and it occupied the attention of our entirely voluntary committee for almost two years.

“At no time was the Society against the Cathedral’s principal aim, but we believe that the withdrawal of the proposal was the right outcome for the city of Ripon.

“We look forward to supporting them in the search for a solution that will be right for the Cathedral and for Ripon. We are very grateful to our fellow Civic Societies in the region for recognising and endorsing our achievements by awarding us the Spawforth Prize.”

The Peter Spawforth Award comes with a trophy and a £200 prize, and is judged by members of the committee representing the 41 groups that are part of YHACS.