THE concrete blocks protecting York Minster from a terror attack will be removed and replaced by bollards under plans for a new public square.

Cathedral officials say the barrier of 12 concrete blocks, installed in front of the cathedral in 2017 following recommendations from the Counter Terrorism Unit, was only ever a temporary measure.

The proposed new bollards will run across Petergate and half way down Duncombe Place, so the street can be included in the new Queen Elizabeth Square, which is named in honour of the Queen's long reign.

The gardens around the South African War Memorial will also be part of the square, with the grass paved over and the boundary wall removed.

The large plane tree in front of the Minster and another in the gardens will also be cut down, and lime trees in the gardens will be pollarded, to open up views of the cathedral.

Other key changes proposed under the cathedral's new draft Neighbourhood Plan for the Minster Precinct include:

*Removing the statute of the Roman Emperor Constantine from the right side of the south piazza to make way for a new ticket office. The statue would be relocated to a railed off grassy area to the left of the piazza.

*Making the cathedral's South Door the main entrance to visitors, with the west end doors just used in future for access to Minster services and ceremonial events.

*Restricting Deangate traffic to access only, with a dedicated cycle route provided.

There are also major plans for Dean's Park at the back of the Minster, including a new, disabled-friendly access into the park from the City Walls.

A new sensory garden is planned for land next to Dean's Park which is not currently open to the public, providing a space for reflection and contemplation.

A new learning and education centre is also set to be built next to the Old Palace in the park, where Minster artefacts could be exhibited and visiting school children could work.

The Dean of York, the Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, said many people at a consultation exhibition held last year said they valued the peace and tranquility of the park, and did not want major tourist facilities there.

In response, the park would be protected as a green space and such facilities were now set to be sited on the other side of the Minster near the South Piazza.

Other plans include the provision of new homes for Minster staff and apprentices at old garages near the Deanery.

• The proposals will be available for public viewing and comment at a two-day exhibition in the Minster’s South Piazza until 5pm today and from 10am until 5pm tomorrow, and online at masterplanning.yorkminster.org until June 16.