Approval Granted for Education and Exhibition Facility at War Cemetery

Approval has been granted for the establishment of a new education and exhibition centre at the memorial location where soldiers who died during the two world wars are interred. The former caretaker’s residence at Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery, which is part of the site’s Grade II-listed structure, has been unoccupied for several years. The approved plans for converting the building include adding an extension and replacing the roof covering, a necessity after copper thieves targeted the building in 2022. The planning officers’ report indicated that this proposal would restore that segment of the listed building to active use. The planned single-storey extension, measuring 25 square metres, will feature a flat roof and be clad in steel designed to mimic the appearance of the stolen copper. The building is currently in poor condition and suffers from dampness, a result of the theft and vandalism that left the property exposed to the elements. A Stafford resident, who submitted a letter to the council in support of the proposals, commented: “It has been sad to see the deterioration of the buildings in recent years and I welcome the revitalisation and new education and interpretation uses.” The resident further stated: “The refurbishment should return the buildings to a condition of which the council and the War Graves Commission can be proud and visitors from the UK and abroad can be fittingly welcomed.” This site, which contains the graves of almost 5,000 German and Austrian nationals, represents the largest concentration of German military interments in the country. The report noted: “Subject to conditions, the alterations would maintain the quality and significance of the building and maintain the site’s level of tranquillity.” This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.