South Holland District Council is to try for a second time to turn a playing field into an extension of Spalding Cemetery.
It’s own Planning Committee turned down a similar proposal in 2015 after Sport England objected to the loss of the field that’s open to the public.
The council says it would keep the current player and instead, it says, it’s looking to buy ‘2.64 acres of land at Wygate’ presumably in an attempt to get around Sport England’s previous objections.
In a statement the council says it is setting out ambitious plans to safeguard the future of Spalding Cemetery for generations to come, with proposals for the restoration of some of the site’s most significant historic features alongside an extension to create more usable plots’.
It continues: “While the proposals include the repurposing of nearby open amenity land near Chiltern Drive, the council has recognised the concerns of residents and ensured that the existing play area would remain unaffected, allowing families to continue to access this popular facility.
“Alongside the extension, the council is proposing a £70,000 restoration programme for the cemetery’s historic Nonconformist Chapel and the Johnson Mausoleum, both of which are important parts of Spalding’s heritage.
“The planned works would help preserve these unique buildings and their architectural features for future generations, including the repair, replacement and strengthening of existing stone and brickwork.”
It continues: “The council is exploring the acquisition and adoption of approximately 2.64 acres of land at Wygate to be opened up for wider public use, meaning a net gain in open space for the town, and is also carrying out early work to identify opportunities for refurbishment and investment across 17 of Spalding’s play areas.”
Coun Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning said: “These proposals are about taking a long-term view to do the right thing and ensure we can continue to provide this vital service for local families. These works will not only create additional capacity, but also more opportunities to reinvest in the site and other open spaces in Spalding, taking an approach that brings the most benefit to most of our residents.”
Coun Elizabeth Sneath, portfolio holder for conservation and heritage, said: “Spalding Cemetery is far more than a burial ground. It is a setting of natural beauty and a diverse habitat for local wildlife, as well as a poignant place of reflection and remembrance, with a rich history that forms an important part of our town’s heritage.
“The restoration of the Nonconformist Chapel and the Johnson Mausoleum will help protect some of the cemetery’s most significant historic features, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate this remarkable setting and the stories it tells about Spalding’s past.”
