YORK Minster has applied for planning permission to keep the 12 security blocks outside the west front of the landmark until a long-term solution is found.

The barrier was installed last year in an attempt to tackle the terrorist threat.

Planning documents say that the Minster is “one of the most iconic and most visited buildings in the country” and is therefore a potential high-profile target for attacks.

The Chapter of York, the cathedral’s governing body, lodged an application for a routine renewal of planning permission for the security barrier.

The blocks will be in place while a wider strategy encompassing Duncombe Place and High Petergate is developed and put in place. Planning documents say the Minster has been working with City of York Council since January to find a permanent solution to the security risk.

It says: “A working group has been established with representatives from City of York Council and the Civic Trust to begin to develop a permanent scheme which controls vehicular access to Duncombe Place.”

The west end of the Minster was identified as a potentially vulnerable area and statements say the space has been a matter of concern for some time. Once a solution is found, or the security situation improves, the blocks will be removed and the stone flags will be put back.

The application says: “The Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) gave a strong recommendation about the need to strengthen security in that area and that we should act as soon as possible. The west end is the area where people gather for services and events and it is currently exposed and vulnerable and needs to be reinforced. The 12 blocks will form a substantial barrier to defend the area, make people feel safe and act as a very visible deterrent.”

The security blocks are approved by the Home Office and are already in use at locations including the Tower of London.

The application says: “Their purpose is to prevent anyone driving a vehicle into the area in question from harming, or more seriously injuring, people entering, leaving, or just gathering outside the Minster.”

The blocks are made of concrete manufactured from a reconstituted natural stone mix.

A planning statement from York Minster Works Department says: “Whilst the security blocks have an impact on the setting of the Grade I-listed building, the public benefit from a safety point of view outweighs this harm, particularly as this is a temporary measure and there is now a clear programme to deliver a permanent scheme.”

A spokesman for the Minster said they had nothing to add.