Anger as driveway built over graveyard

Concern is mounting over how a driveway has been built over a local graveyard, with families of some of those buried there questioning how plans were approved.

A driveway has been built over part of the graveyard at the former Hodley Chapel, near Kerry.

Elwyn Vaughan, a Powys county councillor, has demanded Powys County Council provide information as to how planning permission was permitted for the access to what is now a private property at the chapel.

Today, it emerged stakes have been placed into the ground, over some graves, to create a fence.

"There are many people upset about the building of a new road across graves at Hodley chapel. This has naturally caused immense stress, strain and frustration to families and friends of the deceased and leaves a number of questions that need to be answered," said Cllr Vaughan.

"Whatever the situation regarding planning law, there is a moral duty for Powys council to respect these families and thus I call on them to meet with them to agree a way forward. Powys is a public authority, states it wants to be open and transparent and hence should remember that and act accordingly."

He added: "What has happened here is morally and ethically wrong and some humility and respect by the authority would go a long way."

According to Cllr Vaughan, The Disused Burial Grounds (Amendment) Act 1981 – states-

“Where any human remains are interred in such land no building shall be erected upon it otherwise than in accordance with section 3 of the principal Act unless:— (a) the human remains have been removed and reinterred or cremated in accordance with the provisions of the Schedule to this Act; and (b) any tombstones, monuments or memorials commemorating the deceased persons have been dealt with in accordance with those provisions."

A statement from eight surviving grandchildren of John Davies Lewis and Olive Lewis, and their grandparents William White and Martha White, who are all buried there, said: "We are all shocked and deeply upset to learn the graves of our ancestors have been violated without any consultation, none of us have had any communication regarding our opinions on this completely inappropriate development.

"There have been extensive excavations through the area of our family graves and call for reassurance that our loved ones remains have not been disturbed."

They said the county and community council had "failed in their duty to the people of the area."

They have called on the Welsh Government to intervene.

Meanwhile, a Facebook group has been set up on the matter. It can be found here.

Powys County Council has been asked for comment. We are attempting to contact the owners of Hodley Chapel.

 

Photos via Facebook Group