Plans for new multi-faith cemetery approved

 

Members of Nelson, Brierfield and Reedley Committee have given the go-ahead for a new burial ground to be created on land off Edge End Avenue and Halifax Road in Nelson.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “A lot of thought and consideration went into finding the right location for a site which would be suitable for a dignified burial space in an attractive green environment.

“Although concerns were raised by nearby residents relating to the pedestrian access to the adjacent allotments, under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, there were no material reasons to object to the application and there were no objections from the Environment Agency.”

The 6.3 hectare site was bought by Pendle Borough Council to provide space for around 4,500 graves for people across Pendle. 

In four years’ time, the current cemetery on Walton Lane in Nelson will be nearing full capacity.

The new cemetery will also include ash internment areas, ornamental planting and spaces for memorial trees.

The plans have been approved with numerous conditions, including:

• no development shall commence until a detailed surface water sustainable drainage strategy is approved to ensure satisfactory sustainable drainage facilities are provided to serve the site.
• no development shall commence until a Construction Surface Water Management Plan, detailing how surface water and stormwater will be managed on the site during construction has been approved.
• the development is carried out and operated in strict accordance with the recommendations of a Groundwater Risk Assessment in order to alleviate the risk of water pollution and land instability.
• there will be no burial plots within 8 metres of the boundaries of 160-194 Halifax Road, Edge End Avenue and Brier Crescent in order to preserve the privacy of adjacent dwellings.
• no work will commence until protective fencing has been erected to prevent trees or hedgerows on site from being damaged during building works.
• external lighting will not be installed until it has been approved, taking into consideration nearby residents and to preserve the habitat of protected species.
• development will not commence until construction traffic access has been created to enable all construction traffic to enter and leave the site in a safe manner without causing a hazard to other road users.

David Walker, Pendle Borough Council's Assistant Director of Operational Services, said: “The design of the new cemetery has taken time to develop, and we have considered  residents’ comments and suggestions as we have worked through the planning process.

“It was so important we got as many opinions as possible, so we could consider them as we worked towards providing this vital facility, which will ensure there is sufficient burial space in Pendle to meet future needs.”

Councillor Mohammad Hanif, Pendle Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure Services, added: “This is a much-needed facility with Nelson’s current cemetery nearing full capacity and will be created to benefit the whole community – whatever people’s religion.”