A PETITION has been launched opposing controversial plans to redevelop part of Salisbury Cathedral Close with a decision now expected next month.

The plans, submitted by the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury Cathedral last year, seeks a change of use of the Grade I listed Leaden Hall from education to offices and meeting rooms.

The proposals include the demolition of single-storey extensions and a conservatory, internal alterations, repairs to the historic fabric, landscaping works and the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps.

The scheme also includes a change of use of Stephenson Hall to a mixed-use building for meetings, performances and continued educational use, involving the removal of attached classrooms.

In addition, a new single-storey archive building is proposed within the grounds to house the cathedral’s archive, along with associated access works.

Leaden Hall dates to the 13th century and the house and gardens were famously painted by John Constable in the early 19th century.

The site was a favourite of John Constable.

The proposals have attracted significant opposition from residents, Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society and the city council.

Now, campaigners have launched online petition Save Leaden Hall, already gathering more than 750 signatures.

Founder John Bruce is urging residents to make their views known ahead of the decision, expected by the end of February.

He said: “Over the last year there has been regular local and national reporting on the debate over the re-development of Leaden Hall, which objectors say will irreversibly harm both the house and gardens, and put the archive documents at risk.

“The final decision was due to be made at Wiltshire Council’s planning meeting on 22nd January. A last-minute attempt at co-ordinating those who wish to save Leaden Hall has been made by the establishment of a petition and associated website.

“The Wiltshire Historic Building Trust, and Historic England, have agreed that the proposed development ‘will harm Leaden Hall and its setting’, and Michael Rosenthal, professor emeritus of the history of art at the University of Warwick, has compared the destruction of the views that Constable painted to Monet’s garden – ‘How would the French respond to proposals to brick it over?’

“Please act now, by signing this petition to alert the planning committee to these serious concerns and urge them to do the right thing and reject this harmful proposal.’”

Inside Leaden Hall.

Salisbury City Council objected to the application last November, citing concerns over flood risk, design, lack of verified scale images and the siting of solar panels.

The council also noted nearly 200 public objections, requesting further information from the applicants.

It is anticipated that the application will be discussed by Wiltshire Council’s southern area planning committee on February 12.