Plans for three new ‘barrow’ memorial structures on a burial ground in Calverton have been granted conditional permission by Gedling Borough Council.
Barrows are mounds which offer a natural alternative to modern memorials and cemeteries. They are often used for cremated remains.
The application for the barrows was received from Alasdair Thorne of Marrons, Nottingham acting as agent on behalf of A W Lymn The Family Funeral Service, Nottingham.
The applicant sought permission to construct two open round barrows and a grass-covered barrow for the placement of cremation urns, access path and landscaping on land off Georges Lane in Calverton.
The application dated Friday, Dec 22, 2023 was validated by Gedling Borough Council planners and the notice of planning permission was granted on April 26, 2024.
A planning statement provided by Marrons forming part of the full planning application stated that the site relates to 0.33 hectares of land within the Georges Lane Cemetery which benefits from extant permission (2022/0006) for a burial space comprising a mix of traditional, natural and woodland types, the erection of a facilities building and associated car park providing 18 vehicle spaces (4 disabled) and a further overflow parking area for 12 vehicles.
The planning statement further stated that the barrows had been re-located and re-orientated from previous proposals to ensure the grass covered barrow (barrow 3) sits within an existing hollow in the landscape and is buried into the rising topography.
Details in the application advised that the three barrows provide a combined 756 niches where urns can be placed and offer families ‘regular access to an attractive place of solitude to remember and celebrate their loved ones’.
The application stated that the barrows had been carefully designed to each offer a differing experience and cemetery use including a reflection pool and bearer stone in the first barrow, a green area complete with a central tree in the second barrow and path to the covered third barrow.
Further details contained within the planning document stated that the proposal had been subject to significant discussion and engagement with council officers and had been relocated to ensure the grass-covered barrow is placed within an existing depression in the landscape to mitigate any impacts.
Significantly, the wall height of the open barrows had been reduced above existing ground level to 2m, a level acceptable under permitted development, and the covered barrow has been reduced to a rise of less than 6m (a reduction from 9m in previous proposals) which has been blended into the landscape.
Further details regarding Planning Application 2023/0913 can be accessed HERE.
