Judicial review into cathedral’s plans for £1.3m tomb

Proposals put forward by Leicester Cathedral to accommodate Richard’s tomb could have seen him laid to rest in the cathedral by the end of this summer.

But last year the Cathedral Fabrics Commission for England deferred its response to the cathedral’s plans, putting that timetable in doubt, according to its dean, the Very Rev David Monteith.

In a statement at the time, the cathedral said the commission had requested “more information on key aspects of the scheme” before it could respond.

The commission’s permission is required if a plan to rebuild part of the cathedral, accommodating the king’s tomb can ever go ahead. It would cost up to £1.3m.

Mr Monteith said at the time that the cathedral was disappointed by the commission’s decision but understood it was dealing with a major and complex application.

The dean also said any final decisions must wait the outcome of the judicial review, adding: “We must fully respect that legal process.”

Those pushing Leicester’s case argue the King who was buried in the city over 500 years ago should remain in Leicester.