TOWN chiefs are still waiting for the green light for a £127,000 refurbishment of Knutsford Cemetery Chapel – two months after they hoped to begin work.

Knutsford Town Council unveiled plans to upgrade the 118-year-old Grade II-listed chapel in April – including a new kitchenette, accessible toilet and heating system, plus redecoration and upgraded lighting.

It was hoped work would begin by the end of June and last for six to eight weeks, but Cheshire East Council is still yet to make a decision on the planning application.

Adam Keppel-Green, town clerk, said: “We are still waiting for listed planning consent.

"CEC has given us a few extra hoops to jump through so we are a bit behind schedule at the moment.”

The town council says major work is needed at the chapel, which it took control of from CEC last year, and it is hoped the project will increase the viability and use of the building.

It is part-funded by a £52,000 grant from CEC, while the remainder of the cost will be covered by proceeds from the sale of Cemetery Lodge.

READ > Planned revamp for Knutsford Cemetery Chapel

Alan Wright, project manager, added: “Because it is a listed building there are certain restrictions on what we can do to the building.

“There are certain rules that we need to adhere to on the specifications and materials, and that is the consent that we are waiting to come through, but hopefully it should be on its way soon.”