Crawley church wants to create new memorial garden

The now unused plot of land was bought by the Parochial Church Council for £1,200 in 1993 and permission is sought to change its use, once it has been consecrated.

In a heritage statement to the council’s planning department, Father Michael Boag, Rector of Worth, said the intention had always been to use the land as part of the churchyard, where cremated remains could be buried.

He added: “The need for this facility, as known then, has not diminished in 27 years; indeed the pressure for space in the existing churchyard at St Nicholas’ has increased over time.

“To expand any of the current five interment areas – all in different styles – would be to have a negative impact on the peaceful enjoyment of the churchyard.”

Father Boag said the plan was to build an 80m circular path, 1.2m wide, in the middle of the new ground, adding five teak benches along the outside of the path.

Once the ground is consecrated, ashes will be interred in unmarked locations, either loose or in biodegradable containers.

Father Boag added: “The new garden will then become a place, open to the public, for quiet enjoyment and contemplation.

“It is estimated this will cost between £15,000 and £20,000 and all the money needed has been given by generous donors, over many years.”

Grade I listed St Nicholas Church was described by Historic England as: “One of the finest Saxon churches in England with the largest Saxon chancel arch in the country.”

Parts of it have been dated to between 950AD and 1050AD and it has been in continuous use for more than 1,000 years.

Among the many graves in the churchyard, is the resting place of Robert Whitehead, inventor of the torpedo, and great grandfather of the original Von Trapp Family Singers made famous by the film The Sound of Music.

To view the application, log on to planningregister.crawley.gov.uk and search for CR/2020/0098/FUL.