PLANS to demolish a century-old chapel at Darfield Cemetery to add an additional 100 cremation plots have been put on hold by Barnsley Council following concerns from local residents.

A site notice was placed at the chapel which sparked concern among residents stating that applicant Anthony Devonport, the head of service for bereavement at the council, submitted the plans seeking to find out whether prior approval will be required for the method of demolition at the Saltersbrook Road site.

The chapel, which has not bee used for over 30 years, would be demolished under the plans to enable an additional 100 cremation plots to be created in Darfield.

Those who are currently wishing to buy a cremation plot in Darfield are having to use sites at alternative sites such as Ardsley, Wombwell or Kendray - creating challenges who are wishing to remember those they have lost where they lived.

The council confirmed this week that the plans will be put on hold while they speak with residents about their concerns.

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “Ensuring that our cemeteries are sustainable and able to meet the needs of our communities, both now and in the future, in an integral part of the bereavement services planning process.

“The proposal to remove the disused chapel in Darfield Cemetery would create additional space for 100 cremation plots that many families are now taking up as a means of remembering their loved ones.

“On a personal note, there are many generations of my family buried in Darfield Cemetery.

“I entirely understand the emotional connection generations of Darfield residents have to the cemetery.

“Ensuring that future generations can also pay their respects to loved ones is essential in the coming years.

“In response to feedback from local councillors and members of the public, we are pausing the current demolition plans to enable further discussion to take place at a local level and to gauge the community’s view on how best to ensure that Darfield Cemetery can continue to meet the needs of local residents both now and in the future.”

The cost of renovating the disused building and ensuring that it is maintained correctly would come at a huge cost.

Other cemeteries across Barnsley have been able to renovate their disused chapels due to the work of ‘Friends of’ groups and external grant funding.

Subsequently, a ‘Friends of Darfield Cemetery’ group has been set up by residents to try and stop the demolition of the chapel which holds many memories for locals.

Coun Kevin Osborne, who represents the Darfield ward, said he will work with the group moving forward.

He added: “I am happy to support any initiative that will support Darfield Cemetery.

“The roots of our community run deep and the creation of a ‘Friends of Darfield Cemetery’ group will cement those clear community bonds.

“I will gladly work alongside anyone who wants to improve our cemetery for all moving forward.”

The group are set to meet for the first time at Darfield Community Centre on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

A statement from the group said: “This is a meeting for residents who are interested in forming and becoming part of the official ‘Friends of Darfield Cemetery’ group.

“The group will need a number of committed community members with wide-ranging skills, who are passionate about the saving and restoration of the chapel.

“Initially we will be looking to fill four main roles - chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer, alongside a number of committee members.

“If we are able to fill these roles and form a committee we will then be able to move forwards and take next steps.”