A PUBLIC consultation has started on Salisbury Cathedral's revised masterplan.

The cathedral plan which involves providing new public access to the south side of the cathedral, opening up the views painted by Constable, has been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

It follows a draft plan released in June 2015 and sets out the projects the cathedral wishes to develop over the next five years and beyond.

The council is now conducting its own consultation on the proposals and any subsequent plans will also be subject to standard planning procedures which are likely to include further consultation.

Under the plans the works yard site could become the location for an education centre, a new song school for choristers and a home for the archives and possibly Magna Carta.

The existing works department will still be located on its current site but will be reduced in size once the major repair programme is completed in 2018.

The masterplan retains the proposals to build new accommodation for clergy on an orchard at the back of 20 The Close in order that the existing Grade II* buildings presently used for the residentiary canons can be privately rented.

But it no longer includes the use of the Bishop's Palace as a home for the Magna Carta, and for staff and volunteers, after objections from the Cathedral School which will continue to be based in the palace building.

Instead there are proposals to build a new purpose-built structure for the Magna Carta within the cathedral site such as the existing work yards site while existing cathedral properties such as 20 The Close is likely to be used for further office space.

The idea of creating an auditorium for concerts and lectures has also been scrapped with concerns over the impact it might have on the historic setting of The Close. However, the cathedral has said it is open to working with other organisations in the city who might want to develop their own plans for an auditorium, noting that both Sarum College and Salisbury Museum are considering plans for a similar venue.

Cabinet member for planning at Wiltshire Council Toby Sturgis said: “For centuries, the cathedral has performed a central role in the Salisbury’s spiritual, cultural and economic life.

"It ranks among the country’s most important and iconic historic landmarks and brings visitors to Wiltshire from across the world.

"The cathedral is looking to the future and has developed a masterplan that brings together its principal strategic aims into a single document on which the community can have its say. "I would very much encourage anyone who has an interest in the future of the cathedral to participate in this consultation.”

Jackie Molnar, Salisbury Cathedral’s chief executive and chapter clerk, said: “The cathedral’s initial consultation last year proved extremely useful in capturing the views of our many stakeholders and their thoughts greatly informed this revised document which we have now submitted to Wiltshire Council.

“The creation of this master plan is an extremely thorough process but vitally important as it will underpin and guide the future development of our great cathedral for decades to come.”

The consultation which began on Monday, September 19 runs until October 28.

People are also invited to a public exhibition on September 28 September between 10am and 7pm at the Guildhall, Salisbury.

To see the masterplan visit wiltshire.gov.uk/salisburycathedralconsultation