Lych-gate memorial gets go-ahead

Saddleworth planning committee

A move to reject a plan to build a lych-gate as a memorial to a long-serving Saddleworth vicar was overturned by councillors.

The Rev Sidney Clayton of Christ Church, Huddersfield Road, Denshaw, applied to construct the gate to the pedestrian entrance on church ground fronting the road.

Councillor Mike Buckley, chairman of the council’s conservation area advisory committee, said the churchyard is an important part of the setting of the Grade 2 listed building and contributes to the character of the conservation area.

The lych-gate would intrude into these settings. It would involve moving the Victorian lamp and obscure views of the war memorial from the roadside.

Councillor Buckley, the borough’s history champion, said: “Ostensibly it is a good thing, but the committee have serious concerns about the effects it would have on the church.

Councillor Derek Heffernan totally disagreed and argued the lych-gate idea should be supported.

“I do think this is something that would stand as a memorial to Sidney who has served the parish for more than 30 years,” he said.

Councillor John Hudson said he had visited the site before the meeting. “The lych gate offers a means of shelter. We could have a picturesque place and allow villagers to have something they wanted.

The committee moved recommendation of the proposal subject to design agreement.


Star Inn plans welcomed

Councillors overwhelmingly welcomed the proposal at the Star Inn, Scouthead, for the demolition of a rear extension and conversion of a flat to form eight bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Councillor Ken Hulme said: “I am really very pleased that something is happening here.

“People are putting in their money and prepared to invest and looking at a way of saving an old inn without it becoming a residential property and keeping it as a business.

Councillor Derek Heffernan said: “It’s been a very sad site in a very prominent place. Its coming back is very much to be welcomed.”

Councillor John Hudson said: “The building was becoming an embarrassment.”