PLANS to create a piazza around Chester Cathedral, to rival the best in Europe, were unveiled last night.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has revised its proposals for the first phase of the Cathedral Quarter Project, aimed at redeveloping the area between St Werburgh Street and the city’s cathedral.

The authority says the £3m scheme – which aims to create “one of the most impressive city squares in Europe” – embraced suggestions and comments made by the public during consultation earlier this year.

Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for regeneration, said: “We have listened carefully to what the public had to say and the architects have worked hard to incorporate these views into the revised scheme.

“While there have been some objections to changing the area surrounding the war memorial, we believe replacing the grass and railings with an attractive Yorkstone surface will create a spectacular piazza, which truly reconnects the cathedral with the city centre.

“It will create a public space which can be used in a rich composition of activities and events all year round, something which is simply not possible at present.

“We know how strongly people feel about retaining greenery and green space, and the new lawned areas between the Cenotaph and the Walls will ensure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy these tranquil surroundings.”

Several mature trees which did not feature in the original design were retained in the new plans and new trees will be installed in planters in response to concerns from archaeologists about the impact of roots on important remains.