SALISBURY Cathedral has extended the consultation period on its master plan to the end of the year.

The consultation had been planned to end in September but cathedral bosses have now extended the period to December 31.

A spokesman said the decision was in response to "recurring requests" from people participating in the consultation and that it would enable Cathedral School governors to meet with school parents to discuss the various options at the start of next term.

As part of the plans, the cathedral wants to open up the grounds of the Bishop's Palace to the public and house the Magna Carta in the historic building.

But the plans are dependant on the Cathedral School's ability to move partly or entirely to a new build within its existing grounds.

Parents are concerned the school's interests may not be fully represented due to its structure and formed a working group to conduct their own surveys on the cathedral's master plan to ensure the school's interests are "properly represented".

The cathedral spokesman said: "The preparation of a draft master plan has resulted from discussions between Chapter and Wiltshire Council.

"It was considered that such a document would encourage discussion and debate and would almost inevitably evolve as it progresses so as to reflect the responses received from statutory bodies, residents and interested parties within the Close and the wider area.

"These proposals are by no means a fait accompli but do set out a number of ways that the aspirations of the school and the cathedral could be mutually beneficial."

The master plan was unveiled at the end of June and comes as the cathedral's major repair programme nears completion.

Other plans include a new purpose-built works department for the cathedral, a new building to house a song school for the choristers and an auditorium for concerts and lectures.

At the end of the consultation, the cathedral will prepare an updated version of the master plan to submit to the council, and expects a final version to be in place and agreed with the Wiltshire Council in spring next year.

To view the draft master plan visit salisburycathedral.org.uk/mp.