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29
Oct
Pateley Bridge cemetery expansion plans set for approval
Plans to expand Pateley Bridge Cemetery look set to be approved.
The application, which was received by North Yorkshire Council in April, seeks approval to increase its burial and cremation provisions.
The site was last year sold to the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council by Pateley Town Council. The site is now owned by its successor authority North Yorkshire Council, which is still required to submit planning applications for its own assets.
A planning document says only eight burial plots remain at the cemetery, and the proposal would allow for another 73 years of burials.
A total of 314 burial plots would be created, as well as 48 natural burial plots.
The expansion would also create space for 364 ash internments, which store cremation remains, which would cover another 182 years of cremation services.
The council also seeks approval for two new parking spaces – one for a hearse and one disabled parking bay.
An access road via the existing cemetery, which is by St Mary’s Church, is also proposed.
The council originally wanted to install five new parking bays and create a two-way access road, but plans were amended after concerns were raised by consultees.
The extension would be built on land adjacent to the existing cemetery, which is currently used for livestock grazing.
Proposed site layout. Credit: The CDS Group
Landscaping changes, including a footpath, wooden benches and a meadow, are also proposed as part of the extension.
Two sycamore trees, two oak trees and two Yew hedges would be planted on site.
A council report acknowledges there would be a “slight increase” in people coming to the extended cemetery, but adds this would not be considerably greater than the existing number of visitors.
It says only around four burial services and two cremations happen there each year.
For this reason, planning officers don’t believe the extension would harm the surrounding residential area.
No objections have been made against the proposals, but consultees including Yorkshire Water and North Yorkshire Council's highways department recommended conditions be applied if the plans are approved.
The application will be considered at the next Skipton and Ripon planning committee, which will be held on November 5.
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