SALISBURY Cathedral has responded to a petition opposing the redevelopment of Leaden Hall, stressing proposals aim to restore the historic building while giving it a new lease of life.

The petition, recently launched online and already signed by more than 750 people, calls on Wiltshire Council to reject plans to change the Grade I listed Leaden Hall from educational use to offices and meeting rooms.

The proposals also include landscaping works, repairs to the historic fabric and the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps, alongside changes to Stephenson Hall and a new single-storey archive building within Cathedral Close.

A spokesperson for Salisbury Cathedral told us: “While there is, understandably, interest in how Leaden Hall will be restored and used, there is also some misinformation.

“Our plans will give the place a new lease of life, sensitively restoring the building and providing a new sense of purpose for a site that has, for most of its long history, served the cathedral.

“Historic England has recently commented positively on the proposals, which, they say, would bring Leaden Hall back into good repair and beneficial use, and improve its setting.

“In recent weeks we have welcomed providing updates to local councillors and look forward to the proposals being discussed by the planning committees of both Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council in the coming months.

“We also encourage those interested to read the latest update on our website.”

Leaden Hall, dating to the 13th century, was famously painted by John Constable in the early 19th century and has been at the centre of debates over how to preserve its historic character while ensuring its continued use.

Should planning consent be given, it is estimated that the redevelopment of Leaden Hall will be completed in around three years, with the archive building taking longer.

The Cathedral Close proposals are expected to be considered by Wiltshire Council planners soon, with the latest decision date set for February 17.