New Ovingdean graveyard set for go-ahead

A Brighton church which has served the community for nearly 1,000 years is looking to the future as it looks to get permission to extend its graveyard.

St Wulfran’s Church, a Grade I Listed building in Greenways, Ovingdean, wants permission to turn a 3,500sqm plot of agricultural land neighbouring the site into a burial plot.

Nearly 40 letters of objection have been received, in addition to a petition of 38 signatures, claiming the proposal would harm the appearance and character of the church and surrounding conservation area.

It was also claimed the plan has the potential for increased road traffic through the village, while leading to the loss of an ancient meadow.

But not everyone agrees with 33 people writing letters to support the proposal.

They argued it would safeguard burial land for future generations and create a public amenity space that could be used by the local community.

In a submission to Brighton and Hove City Council, the county archaeologist said: “The proposed development is unlikely to have any significant impacts on biodiversity and can be supported from an ecological perspective.”

With English Heritage, the Environment Agency and South Downs National Park not objecting to the proposal, the council’s planning experts have recommended it be given the go-ahead.

A decision will be made by the planning committee next Wednesday (April 23).