A plan has been lodged to build a new Hall of Remembrance in one of Bolton’s most prominent cemeteries.

If approved, the proposal will see the hall built at Heaton Cemetery and serve as a place of shelter for mourners where they will have space for prayer or contemplation.

The Bolton News: Heaton Cemetery Heaton Cemetery (Image: Google)

A similar proposal was given the greenlight in March 2019, but the approval has lapsed with the passage of time meaning that fresh plans have been required.

A statement from architectural firm Good and Tillotson said: “Taking in to account the existing usage of the site, and giving consideration to the future needs of the site and community, the requirement for a Hall of Remembrance building has been identified.

“The building will be simple in its form and will provide a place of shelter to accommodate mourners, and to hold small prayer services.”

The Bolton News: An artist's impression of the new buildingAn artist's impression of the new building (Image: Good and Tillotson Ltd)

It added: “This application in essence relates to the proposed construction of the same new build hall of remembrance building, and its use in association with the existing cemetery functions.

“The size and appearance of the building is all as previously approved although it is noted that the orientation and position on the site is slightly different, to allow existing tree planting to be retained, and to reduce the amount ground works required to facilitate the build.”

The Bolton News: The planned layout for the new hallThe planned layout for the new hall (Image: Good and Tillotson)

The planners say that although the proposed new building is not on land designated as part of the greenbelt, it is still identified as protected open land by the council.

With this in mind, the architects say the hall of remembrance has been designed in order to try and minimise the impact it will have on the environment, while they also say that they aim to minimise the effect it will have on the main cemetery site.

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As well as prayers and contemplation, the new building will also be used as part of future funeral ceremonies.

The plans were put before the council on Wednesday, December 21 and will be open for neighbourhood consultations until Friday, January 13 in the new year.

After this consultation period has passed, the council will rule on whether or not to approve the bid.