A Jewish cemetery plans to install floodlights so that visitors can see after dark and for night time burials and events. The Machzikei Hadass Cemetery is in a rural, green belt area of Whitefield close to Philips Park Road and Old Hall Lane.

A planning application submitted to Bury Council in the past week seeks permission to build three pole mounted floodlights at the site along with

a storage unit. Documents in support of the plans have been published by Bury Council.

In a statement on development on the green belt, Avram Hibbert from JC Design Group said: “The proposed floodlighting will be manually controlled by a caretaker or an authorised person. They will be on three separate circuits and would be switched on independently for the specific time required such as a night-time burial or a night-time event in the cemetery, thereby reducing energy usage and minimising light pollution.

“Installing floodlights can help improve the safety and security of the cemetery by providing better visibility for visitors and preventing vandalism and theft. The cemetery is an important community asset that serves as a final resting place for many local residents.

“We believe that it is important to maintain the cemetery in a safe and well-maintained condition, which sometimes requires work to be carried out after dark. The proposed floodlighting will allow this work to be carried out safely and efficiently, ensuring that the cemetery remains in good condition for thebenefit of the local community.”

The report also addressed possible concerns about floodlights in such a rural, green belt area. It said: “We understand that the installation of floodlighting may raise some concerns about light pollution, and we have taken steps

to address this issue.

“The proposed floodlighting will be designed and installed in a way that minimizes light spillage and glare, while still providing adequate illumination for the necessary works. Floodlighting will aid visitors with mobility impairments and visual impairments, making it easier to see headstones, pathways and other features of the cemetery and thereby reducing trip hazards.”

Bury Council will now consider the plans.