Plans for garden of remembrance at Petworth churchyard

The memorial garden would be located at the north west of the churchyard at St Mary’s Parish Church, with a new pathway installed to allow for disabled access.

Father Mark Gilbert said parishioners had been asking for some time for a place to have ashes buried in the churchyard.

While the Hampers Green Cemetery already provides a place for the internment of ashes, he said this was ‘quite a long way’ from the church.

The planning document states there was ‘strong feeling’ for an additional space to be provided close to the parish church.

No memorials would be permitted at the site, nor any artificial flowers, foliage, vases or other containers, according to the plans.

Father Gilbert said this was due to the strict conservation measures in place around the grade I listed building, some of which dates back to the 13th century.

However he said people whose ashes were laid to rest in the garden would have their names recorded in a book in the church.

Their loved ones will be able to spend time in the memorial garden. “It will be a nice place to go and sit and know that they are there,” he said.

The plans have been submitted to the South Downs National park Authority for consideration – to see them in full, search reference SDNP/20/02490/FUL at planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk