Church plans expansion for 'at capacity' graveyard

Plans to expand a church's graveyard which is said to be almost full are to be considered by councillors.

If given the go-ahead, a patch of land measuring 66ft (20m) by 246ft (75m) would be added to the burial ground at the Grade II listed Heslington Church, near York, which dates back to 1858.

According to the proposals, land donated by the University of York from the neighbouring Dean's Acre would be used for the expansion of the graveyard, which the application said was "at capacity".

If the plans were approved, the expansion would provide space for around 100 burials, which "at current rates will be sufficient space for at least 50 years", planning documents stated.

The application, prepared on behalf of the church by Overton Architects, stated that the site's boundary line would be expanded as part of the expansion.

"The new east boundary will be a hawthorn hedge, with a timber gate for grave digger access," the application added.

A public consultation into the plans runs until 6 February, with City of York planners expected to make a decision by a date yet to be decided.

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