North Yorkshire: Plans submitted to extend nearly-full cemetery

Plans have been submitted to extend the cemetery at Pateley Bridge

North Yorkshire Council has submitted a planning application to extend the cemetery at Pateley Bridge.

The council said, based on current burial rates, the cemetery would be full in two years' time.

The expansion, into a neighbouring field, would "future-proof" the town's burial needs, according to the council.

A planning statement said the extension would mean families in Nidderdale could be buried beside their loved ones "for generations to come".

The cemetery opened in 1874 and has more than 950 memorials divided into two areas- one for Church of England burials and another for burials of people from other faiths.

The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council bought the field next to the cemetery from Pateley Bridge Town Council last year, as part of preparations for an expansion.

'Critical community service'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the current burial rate at the cemetery is around five per year for burials, and two for cremation-remains' burials.

Submitted planning proposals include an extended access road and footpath, new burial grounds and ash interment area, as well as new planting of trees, scrub, heather and hedge.

The site is part of a larger field currently used for grazing.

The planning statement said: "The proposal will ensure that this critical community service is not lost and current needs for burials are met for Pateley Bridge's residents,"

"Furthermore, it will future-proof the burial needs of Pateley Bridge for approximately 73 years for burials and 182 years for ash interments."

The plans will be considered at a later date.