Plans have been submitted for seven houses near to St Mary’s Church, Cleator, but residents fear this would spoil the “peace, silence and tranquility” of the grotto.
Parishioners gathered, with permission from the church, on Saturday morning to show their displeasure before Copeland planners meet on Wednesday, where the scheme is recommended for outline approval.
Elwyn Evans, who organised the protest, said: “The people of Cleator Moor built the grotto with pick and shovel. It is a replica of a shrine in Lourdes, it is on consecrated land that has a vow of silence and people go there to pray and remember deceased family and friends.”
Hundreds of people visit the grotto during an annual pilgrimage in early September.
Last month, plans had been set to get the go-ahead but, after hearing from two objectors, councillor Doug Wilson requested a site visit before the planning panel made a final decision. Mr Evans said: “Any estate noise – football, children, music etc – would disturb the peace, silence and tranquility of the grotto.”
And Jim Youdale, vice chairman of the parochial council of St Mary’s Church, said: “We would be disappointed if permission was granted because our desire is to safeguard a wonderful community asset, closely linked to Cleator Moor’s history, which is well-maintained at no cost to the public purse and open to everyone to enjoy.”
Applicant Richard Mulholland has submitted a plan illustrating how seven houses could fit on the site, with details of how landscaping could reduce its impact.
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