Flat plan raises grave concerns

CONCERNS over graves at the former Delph Chapel saw councillors defer a planning application to convert the site into nine apartments with car parking and landscaping.

The site, located at the junction of Delph Lane and Hill End Road, has two graveyards in its grounds, one of which was recently still in use.

Planning chairman councillor Roger Hindle told the committee that while the graveyard element of the application was a major emotive consideration, it was not strictly a planning one.

Alan Chorlton, representing the applicant, said there would be limited public access to the site, a private garden would be created for the ground-floor flats, and no grave stones would be affected.

He said: “The scheme will totally restore the site to its former glory.”

Ward councillor Mike Buckley, speaking against the application, said it was an inappropriate use of the site as there were many unmarked graves in the grounds, and the graveyard had been used in the last 20 years.

He also said investigations into community use for the site had not taken place.

Councillors agreed to defer the matter until the next planning meeting to get more information on site access issues and appropriateness of gardens next to a graveyard.