Growing Outcry Over Loved Ones' Graves as Kirklees Unveils Housing Plan

A church in Dewsbury might be converted into new homes, but this move has left some families concerned about how it may affect their deceased relatives buried in the grounds.

Proposals for the Church of the Holy Innocents on Vicarage Road, Dewsbury have already been submitted. rejected by the council initially In 2023, this plan aimed to transform the Grade II-listed structure into two residences. However, the council remained unconvinced that the applicant had proven the advantages of these plans would surpass the potential damage to the historic site, nor did they believe the project fit appropriately within the local setting.

Currently, a fresh application has been put forward by the same applicant, once more aiming to transform the church into two separate dwellings. These residences will each feature four or more bedrooms and include parking facilities.

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Up until now, 14 individuals from the general public have shared their thoughts on these proposals, and every single one has voiced objections. A prevailing concern expressed across all comments pertains to worries about how this development might affect the nearby gravesites as well as the closeness of the suggested housing developments.

Someone commented: "I have a relative buried in this cemetery, and I believe it could be quite distressing for families who come to care for their loved ones' graves. Personally, I wouldn’t find it comforting to visit if the occupants were hosting parties or family gatherings here—perhaps even barbecues where the scent of food might linger along with music playing continuously; after all, cemeteries should primarily serve as places of peace."

People gather to enjoy the tranquillity of the churchyard. How might construction impact the cemetery? Will it remain open to visitors? And what happens if there’s any harm done? Also, is the car park meant for everyone or only residents? Given how bad parking already gets during school hours, this is particularly concerning.

Another comment added: "The plans do not clearly indicate how accessibility will be managed for myself and others who wish to care for and visit the graves of our loved ones. Currently, everyone parks on the street and walks onto the grounds, which seems sufficient; however, this could become problematic if we must navigate near windows of the upcoming residential conversions or if noisy children play nearby during visits."

The documentation submitted on behalf of the applicant indicates that the nearby graves adjacent to the planned car park area have undergone examination and will "remain undisturbed" during construction. Additionally, the proposal includes a new "landscaped perimeter border" designed to delineate between the cemetery and the residential zone, functioning as a visual barrier.

A choice regarding these plans should be reached by May 20th.

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