Cemetery extension set for go-ahead

It is proposed that agricultural land at Preston-under-Scar, near Leyburn, to the south of the existing cemetery is used to extend it.

A similar scheme was withdrawn after English Heritage raised fears the use of dry stone walls would spoil the setting of a nearby cairn, a scheduled ancient monument.

However a report to members of Richmondshire District Council’s planning committee tomorrow says changes have been made and English Heritage are now supportive of the proposals.

“As a result of a site meeting and discussions with English Heritage, the parish council have now amended the scheme to include dry stone walling on the western side and part walling, part railings on the southern side nearest the cairn,” a report to members says.

Preston-under-Scar Parish Council is seeking full planning permission to change the use of the land from agricultural to be used as a cemetery.

Officers are recommending that councillors back the proposals, subject to conditions being agreed, when they meet tomorrow.

The proposed extension of the cemetery would measure just over 36 metres by just over 24 metres. The parish council’s plan seeks to provide further burial space for both the present and the future.

The report concludes: “The proposed change of use would provide a much needed extension to the existing cemetery in Preston-under-Scar.

“Given the choice of materials and the fact that this would be an extension to an existing cemetery, there would be no adverse impact on the surrounding countryside which is also an Area of Great Landscape Value,” the report adds.

The existing cemetery at Preston-under-Scar is located on the south side of the main road leading from Wensley to Redmire.