Conservation Plan

The aim of the Cathedral's Conservation Plan has been succinctly defined:

"To reconcile the necessary life of the community and the significance of the place."

Unlike many historic buildings, which exist purely as tourist attractions, Cathedrals have a vital role as the seat of the Bishop and a centre of worship and mission. They must be accessible to all.

Cathedrals have to continually evolve and the principle aim of the Conservation Plan is to ensure that change can be achieved, and access given, without unnecessary damage to the architectural and historic importance of the Cathedral, its furnishings, collections and its Close.

The Conservation Plan must also aim to be logically conceived, based on a fine understanding of the spiritual and practical role of the Cathedral in today's Anglican Church, clearly written and appropriately illustrated. If it meets these criteria, the result will be a Conservation Plan which not only protects the historic assets but is also of genuine use in the day to day management of the building and its environs. I hope that those that take the time to read the plan agree that this criteria has been met in the Salisbury Cathedral Conservation Plan.

Peter Edds
Head of Buildings and Estate