THE controversial plans to extend Knowsley Cemetery into part of the adjacent Whiston Woods site remain on consultation to the public as the deadline was extended.

Knowsley Council says the proposals would create the additional capacity needed over the next 100 years to allow residents to lay their loved ones to rest in the area.

Some residents have expressed their fury over the proposed loss of green space in the plans for the Fox's Bank Lane cemetery.

The land falls under the green belt in the St Helens Local Plan and sits on the border between the two local authorities.

In order to seek as many views as possible, Knowsley Council launched a public consultation.

The deadline for this has now been extended and the closing date for comments is now 11pm on Friday, August 4, 2023.

The plans and consultation survey are available to view at www.knowsley.gov.uk/consultations. A number of drop-in events have also been arranged.

Drop-in events have taken place and a further date and location will be arranged to cover the extended period. In the meantime, a drop-in event is arranged for:

  • Wednesday, June 28, 6pm until 9pm - St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy, Cumber Lane, Whiston, L35 2XG

Knowsley Council is proposing to purchase Whiston Woods from Forestry England and would then use approximately 4.4 hectares of the 20.14 hectare site (less than a quarter) as an extension to the current Knowsley Cemetery.

The remainder of the Whiston Woods site would be kept for use as community woodland.

The council says it would invest in extensive improvements to the existing network of pathways, seating areas, and wider landscape habitats.

The whole site would remain freely accessible to the public.

The current Fox’s Bank Cemetery, next to Whiston Woods, is nearing full capacity – it is expected to be full within the next three years, the council added.

It is anticipated that the cemetery extension will include a mix of traditional burial plots and alternative options, such as woodland burials and the scattering of cremated remains.  

The proposal would create 10,000 plots, along with access improvements and parking facilities.

Knowsley Council added the plans also include working with local residents and cemetery users to achieve Green Flag status for the site and put in place management arrangements to achieve other designations, such Local Wildlife Site status.

The closing date for comments is 11pm on Friday, August 4, 2023.

Further information about Whiston Woods can also be found here.