CONCERN for the future of the ‘mother church’ of the diocese is mounting, following confirmation from the Archbishop of Canterbury that there will be no rescue package for Guildford Cathedral.

The cathedral’s future is under threat, following Guildford Borough Council’s decision to go against their officer’s recommendation and refuse an ‘enabling development’ of 134 new homes.

The housing scheme to be built on surplus church land, which involved demolishing some clergy properties, would have raised a £10 million endowment to secure the cathedral’s future. But residents objected that it was overbearing and it was rejected by councillors.

Urging that the application should be granted, the Dean of Guildford Cathedral, the very Rev Dianna Gwilliams said: “There is no plan B. We welcome more than 90,000 people a year and the running cost of the building is immense.

“We believe the development proposal is the only way to raise the necessary endowment.”

The Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson warned: “Without this planning permission there will be no endowment, no investment income and possibly no cathedral.”

In their report recommending the application be granted, Guildford planning officers noted the cathedral consistently operated at an annual deficit of £50,000 to £100,000.

Cathedral supporters said that as a newer building, built in 1961, it struggles to attract the donations received by older churches.

Hopes that the Church of England could step in to help, were dashed by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, who warned the council: “It is sometimes said that cathedrals are the Church of England’s equivalent of the big banks - ‘too big to fail’ - and that the very serious financial straits that are one of the motivating factors for Guildford pursuing this application are not so serious because the central church would ‘rescue’ them before total collapse. This is not the case.

“Naturally there are ways of offering assistance and advice, but it is extremely unlikely that any part of the church would be able to compensate financially for the effects of this development not going ahead.”

Stressing the cathedral’s importance across the diocese, Farnham Rector Rev David Uffindell said: “I am very pleased to be living so close to the cathedral, knowing what an important part it plays in the ministry and mission of the diocese.

“I spent a day there a few months ago, shadowing the Dean, and came better to understand something of its scope and reach, its potential and possibilities.”

Responding to Guildford Borough Council’s rejection of its enabling development, a spokesman for the cathedral said: “Clearly we are disappointed by the decision reached. As trustees, Guildford Cathedral Chapter have a responsibility to consider all options open to securing the cathedral’s long-term future.

“We will carefully consider the reasons for refusal before deciding the next steps.”