Church into homes plans delayed over grave fears

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a Dewsbury church into new housing have been deferred by Kirklees Council due to “unanswered questions”.

- By ABIGAIL MARLOW

Kirklees Council's District-wide Planning Committee met on Thursday, October 9 to determine the application in relation to the Church of the Holy Innocents.

The plans seek permission to transform the church into two four-bedroom homes, and construct a residential car park for seven vehicles.

Families whose loved ones have been laid to rest in the churchyard had voiced their fears about the potential impacts of the development, with 49 objections made in response to the plans in total. One person said: “I have a family member in this graveyard and feel it would be very upsetting for families of loved ones to visit and tend to their graves.

“I for one would not feel comfortable visiting if, say the occupiers are having a party or family get together, and say maybe a BBQ... the smell of cooking wafting, music playing... the whole point is it’s a place of rest.”