PLANNING chiefs have given the green light to extend Gorstage Cemetery.

A 2,500sq m area of land which was owned by Cuddington Parish Council to the rear of the cemetery will be converted for the expansion.

The land will be used for a small car parking area, as well as earthen graves, a garden of remembrance for the interment of ashes, and a place for reflection.

In the application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, Carole Robinson, clerk of the Gorstage Cemetery committee, said: "The cemetery is run by three parish councils – Weaverham, Cuddington and Acton Bridge – for the use of their residents, but also accommodates non-residents, especially as many cemeteries and graveyards locally have reached capacity.

"The cemetery currently has no parking area and has many visitors, particularly when there are funerals, and also on holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

"There is no parking allowed on the road outside the cemetery and there are no public transport links, or safe paths to use to access the cemetery."

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It is the second time in three years that the cemetery has been given permission to expand, and in the latest planning application Ms Robinson explained that a lack of parking provision was previously flagged up by CWAC's planning officers in 2018.

CWAC says there are 'very special circumstances' to allow the latest expansion, which is in the green belt.