Plans for a cemetery and woodland burial site next to St John’s Church in Lower Hale, Farnham, have been ‘refined’ and went on public display last week.

The proposals for a single-storey pavilion and associated landscaping have been submitted on behalf of the Ismaili Trust, a faith-based charity which works for the benefit of the Ismaili Muslim community.

In October 2020, the Ismaili Trust acquired the land at Lower Hale, which has existing planning consent to be used as a cemetery and woodland burial site.

A drop-in public exhibition was held to give members of the public an opportunity to see the initial proposals in November 2021 – and the trust’s ‘refined’ proposals were exhibited at the Hotel Daniele restaurant on June 28.

The Ismaili Trust plans are also available to view online at https://landathale.co.uk/ with a planning application to follow shortly.

David Howell, the Herald’s Bricks & Mortar Reporter, attended the exhibition and said: “I have to say I was very impressed with the Islamic Trust’s proposals for their funeral ceremony pavilion.

“First-class architecture comes to Farnham. I am sure there will be critics, but it is like chalk and cheese when comparing the thought and consideration that has gone into proposals of not only the building but the whole site compared to other current proposals. It really shames what other applicants and developers have sought to build.

“I would say we should embrace the building and surrounding landscaping. Many won’t know it will be there although I envisage considerable interest when it is approved and complete. Fear not.”