Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 11843

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Greek Orthodox Community of Saint Barbara the Great Martyr

I&O_12342
As the Overleigh Cemetery (South) contains two buildings that could be repurposed for the church’s ministry (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), I would like to outline potential uses and request that the Cheshire West and Chester Council support their renovation to enhance community engagement and sustainable development. Our proposal aligns with the Handbridge Neighbourhood Area Design Guidelines published in Dec. 2023 by AECOM and the Handbridge Neighbourhood Plan published in Nov. 2024 by the Handbridge Neighbourhood Forum. Both documents were circulated by the Council as part of the eightweek consultation initiated in Dec. 2024, and emphasises heritage conservation, community integration, and sustainable development. Our proposal for the use of the two buildings is as follows: Office and Community Outreach Hub: The gardeners hut (Fig. 1) could serve as an administrative office and a community outreach hub. This space would provide i) A base for clergy, charity trustees and church board, as well as volunteers to coordinate our liturgical services, events and charitable initiatives, ii) A venue for pastoral care, offering guidance, counselling, and support to parishioners and individuals in need, iii) A heritage and information centre, detailing the history of Overleigh Cemetery, Orthodox Christianity in Cheshire, and the role of the Church in the local community, and iv) A meeting place for community-building activities. Refectory and Activity Space: The Methodist chapel (Fig. 2) could be transformed into a refectory, providing i) A communal dining area for parishioners and visitors, promoting hospitality and fellowship, ii) A kitchen facility for preparing meals, particularly for outreach programmes that assist the homeless and those in need, iii) A space for educational workshops, cultural events, and Christian study sessions such as catechism, and iv) An accessible and welcoming venue for local gatherings, thereby strengthening community ties. To bring this plan to fruition, support from the Cheshire West and Chester Council would be invaluable. Specifically, we would like to request that the Council consider the following actions in their vital role to support and enhance local community engagement and sustainable development.  a) Funding and Grant Applications: Assist our Parish in securing heritage and community development grants to fund structural repairs and interior refurbishments. b) Planning Permissions: Facilitate planning permissions to allow for renovations that align with the Neighbourhood Development Plan, prioritising community-led sustainable development and historic preservation. c) Infrastructure Support: Improve access to the cemetery and church facilities, including pathways, lighting, signage, and bicycle racks to enhance safety and usability, integrated in the sustainable travel network (Map G in the Neighbourhood Development Plan). d) Heritage Conservation: Collaborate with conservation experts to ensure that renovations respect and complement the historical significance of Overleigh Cemetery while making the buildings functional for modern needs, as outlined in the design guidelines. e) Community Partnership Development: Encourage partnerships with local organisations, including educational institutions, social services and community support groups, to maximise the use of these renovated spaces in line with community engagement goals.  We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss these ideas further and explore ways in which the Council can assist in their realisation. [See attachment]