The following planning application has been received by Bury Council for a development in Unsworth ward.
Change of use from church hall (Class D1) to office with store and workshop area (Class B1) Open for Comment
Unsworth Methodist Church, Hollins Lane, Bury, BL9 8AW
Ref. No: 62667 | Received: Wed 04 Apr 2018 | Validated: Wed 11 Apr 2018 | Status: Registered
https://planning.bury.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_BURY_DCAPR_53050
I’ve had a good look at the planning application and, while information on the actual application is a bit sparse, it seems to me that only the building and the car park are included in the development. Even if the graveyard was included, I am certain (from a little research) that the business will be required to provide public access to the graves. The matter of maintenance needs to be clarified though. It is mentioned in the supporting document that “the grounds will be kept in good repair”. I would like to see this stipulated in the actual permission (should such permission be granted by the council’s planning department).
On the face of it, I support this application. But I do feel there might be important aspects of the application missing. The applicant has ticked ‘no’ to the boxes on the application form relating to trees and hedges (claiming there are none on-site). This is not true and is probably just a mistake by the applicant. It is possible the application may be rejected or deferred until such time as the applicant pays for a tree survey.
I think it is definitely worth adding some comments to the application querying those points above and I will do that as soon as I can. Louise, I see you have already commented – so thank you for engaging.
Louise, I am aware of the state of the area. I am also aware of the greed of the church on how much money they wanted for the site. They wanted to sell the whole site but couldn’t get planning permission. I know of community groups that had asked about taking over the building years ago, but the church wouldn’t sell.
As for the care of the graves, the graves my family care for are in good condition. We go regularly to put flowers on and just sometimes visit.
Some of the families did pay a gardener for many years to help keep the area tidy.
Would you like me to call you so you can come with me when I visit my grandparents graves to prove we visit!!!!
If you read my comment properly, you will see I only want to continue to visit the graves, the prospect of not being able to upsets my family and I greatly. When the site was up for sale we were very concerned we would have to move the graves.
As for parking, I don’t need to as I can walk from my house, however if I bring my parents I do need to bring them in a car.
If your family care for numerous graves there I’d love to know what they do.
I never see anyone there other than kids smoking , using gas etc
I regularly pick up their waste and put rubbish in the bins – something which no one , especially the church ever does.
The greed of the church has lead to the decay of this building into an eyesore.because they were asking 350000 for the building.
The graves have been smashed year on year so much so that many are dangerous
Whoever has this building will do better than anyone previously who , I mean the church, have done nothing for years. The maintenance is none existent .
Finally – the only people I ever see parking there are the police and boy racers sharing a spliff.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for bringing this planning permission to my attention.
I would welcome the building to be used, as it is in a terrible state.
I have looked at the proposal for change of use and there is no mention of any intention to interfere with the graveyard.
Is there any way we can get confirmation that this is the case?
I believe the original idea from the Methodist church was to sell the whole site?
My family care for numerous graves in there and know of other families who also visit their loved ones resting place. It is very much still an active churchyard if not a church.
I would appreciate knowing that access to the area will still be available with parking.
Any help in obtaining this information would be very gratefully appreciated.
Many thanks
Annette Knaggs