A copper tree will be installed at Blacko war memorial

Neil Hodgson, from Blacko Parish Council, applied to Pendle Council in April seeking to erect a copper memorial tree, supported by an oak frame, behind the timber bench, at the Grade II listed Blacko War Memorial in Gisburn Road.

The plans include removing one existing tree and erecting a copper memorial tree with remembrance leaves in its place.

Blacko war memorial (Image: Council)

A heritage statement submitted alongside plans read: “The war memorial is a squat, stone obelisk, with decorative carving, and inscribed with the names of those local people who died in armed service during both world wars. It was erected in 1921.

“It is significant for both its historic and its architectural interest. It records the impact which the deaths caused by both world wars had on the Blacko community, and is also an accomplished piece of stone carving with intricate decoration, designed by the architect Thomas Arthur Darcy Braddell. Braddell was an associated of Edwin Lutyens and was responsible for a number of other war memorials.

“Associated with the memorial is its small forecourt, together with stone steps up from the footpath, stone retaining wall, and low iron railings.

"These features are significant in their own right, and contribute positively towards the setting of the obelisk.

"The setting is also enhanced, to a lesser degree, by the stone retaining walls of the garden, and the small area of setts on which the timber bench stands.

“The proposed memorial tree and its supporting frame would be located outside the site of the listed building and would have no structural impact on its fabric.

"They would be an aesthetically pleasing addition to the adjacent garden, of an appropriate size and form, and positioned at a respectful distance, which would enhance the war memorial's setting, without harming its significance.”

No objections were received and permission was granted on June 14.