Cemetery and woodland works at Land At Whiston Woods, Rainhill, St Helens

What was proposed

The application proposed a cemetery with burial and memorial plots, roads, paths, parking, drainage, landscaping and related works.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of land at Whiston Woods to a cemetery use (sui generis), comprising burial and memorial plots together with associated roads, footpaths, parking areas, drainage infrastructure, landscaping, and ancillary works.”

“Provision of up to 5,447 cemetery plots (approximately 3,800 burial plots and 1,647 cremated remains plots), accommodating an overall capacity of up to 11,400 burials (at 3 in each plot) and 9,882 cremated remains (at 6 in each plot) • A phased programme of delivery extending over an estimated 100-year period. Phase 1, providing around 1,313 burial plots and 998 cremation plots, would meet demand for approximately 30 years.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is wooded Green Belt land beside Cumber Lane, with public access, rights of way, nearby homes, countryside and an existing cemetery.

“The site is physically well-defined by a series of strong natural and man-made boundaries. To the north it is enclosed by the Liverpool–Manchester railway line, while the edge of the woodland and the northern edge of an open field form the south boundary, beyond which is Blundell’s Lane.”

“The land is designated as Green Belt and is identified as Natural and Semi-Natural Green Space (open space typology) within the St Helens Borough Local Plan Policies Map. A Local Wildlife Site is located adjacent to the site and network of Public Rights of Way run through the site.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the application site.

“There is no relevant planning history associated with the application site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it met cemetery need, preserved Green Belt openness, and addressed highways, drainage, ecology and open-space impacts through controls.

“Having had regard to Section 38(6) of the 2004 Act, the St Helens Borough Local Plan and the NPPF, the proposal is acceptable in principle and in detail. As a community facility, the cemetery would be located in a sustainable, accessible location and would meet an identified need.”

“Technical matters are satisfactorily addressed. Highways and access are acceptable with no objection from the Local Highways Authority; trip generation is low, and parking is phased and proportionate. Drainage and flood risk are acceptable to the EA, UU and the LLFA subject to standard conditions, and groundwater protection will be secured through both permitting and planning controls.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection, subject to conditions, while Rainhill Parish Council objected over Green Belt, environmental, flooding and highway concerns.

“Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS) (13.10.2025): No objection, subject to conditions. MEAS has reviewed the submitted ecological assessments and raised no objection to the proposed development, subject to appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures secured through conditions and legal agreement.”

Officer report

What people said

There were 1,181 objections, one supporting letter and a 790-signature petition, with concerns including Green Belt loss, wildlife, flooding, traffic and public access.

“Planning and Policy Conflicts • Contradiction with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), especially regarding Green Belt protections. • Proposal will cause harm to the Green Belt. • Failure to demonstrate 'Very Special Circumstances' required for Green Belt development. • Conflicts with St Helens’ Local Plan and Green Belt Review. • Recent appeal decisions show cemeteries are not acceptable on Green Belt land without strong justification.”

“Traffic, Parking and Infrastructure Concerns • Increased congestion, especially during funerals and memorial days. • Insufficient parking, no overspill provision, and poor pedestrian access. • Funeral processions will cause delays and safety issues on winding roads. • Public transport access overstated; footpaths inadequate. • Emergency vehicle access may be compromised. • No mitigation measures proposed for traffic impacts.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two local residents presented objections, followed by the applicant presenting the application to Members.

The committee decision

Planning permission was granted subject to a legal agreement, financial contributions and planning conditions.

“Grant Planning Permission with authority delegated to the Head of Planning Services in conjunction with the Chair of Planning Committee, to add, amend, or remove conditions as they deem necessary, with the decision being subject to the completion of a legal agreement and a schedule of appropriate conditions as listed below:”

“The legal agreement is to secure the financial contributions (plus monitoring fee) as follows: Open Space - £315,530.16 for Phase 2 (9,416 m²) and £166,879.80 for Phase 3 (4,980 m²). Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) - £11,691”

Minutes