Grade II-listed medieval market cross to be saved from tricky tree roots

Permission is set to be granted for the relocation of a heritage-listed medieval market cross in a moorland village as part of a wider restoration project for its community garden.

North Turton Parish Council wants to move the monument to the cross-paths in the Chapeltown Memorial Garden in High Street. The only original part of the cross – its unusual eight-sided sandstone base – is currently unstable owing to the growth of nearby trees roots.

The remainder of the monument is a modern addition. The parish council’s application to Blackburn with Darwen Council for consent to make the changes is due to be debated on Thursday by the authority’s planning committee.

A report by planning manager Gavin Prescott recommended approval with the three conditions.

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It says: “The proposed development involves relocating a Grade II listed cross (‘Market Cross’), which is located within a memorial garden at the centre of the village of Chapeltown. A number of modifications to the base and surfacing treatments are also proposed to facilitate the development.

“The application site is a Grade II listed building that is located within a memorial garden, the village of Chapeltown and the Chapeltown Conservation Area. The Grade II listed ‘Village Stocks’ are located within the garden.

“All that remains of the medieval cross is its unusual sandstone base. Set on a modern stone pedestal, the bottom of the original base is eight sided, which then tapers to a cylinder to hold a wooden cross shaft. The tall wooden shaft and metal (lead) cap are modern additions.

“The cross originally was situated outside the Chetham Arms Inn but was relocated in 1845 to Turton Tower. In 1933 it was moved by Turton Urban District Council to its present position, a very short distance away from the Chetham Arms, and put at the entrance to the Community Garden.

“The proposed development involves relocating the Grade II listed cross. The cross would be moved approximately three metres to the west, thereby occupying a more central position within the memorial garden.

“The works are proposed as part of a wider grant funded project by the National Lottery Community Fund and North Turton Parish Council, working together with Edgworth and District Horticultural Society. They broadly involve the restoration of the Community Garden.

“Over the years the cross has been affected by tree roots making it unstable and has caused the shaft to lean towards the rear of the garden. The proposals are limited in their extent and would ensure its structural integrity is improved, thereby securing its future.”