Staffordshire cemetery with 500 plots in line for nod despite objections

The new graveyard would be built on farmland next to the existing cemetery at St James The Great Church in Church Road, Norton Canes, and aims to provide enough plots for the next 70 years.

The scheme put forward by Norton Canes Parish Council is being recommended for approval when Cannock Chase District Council's planning committee meets tomorrow.

But the Ramblers Association has objected on the grounds that a public footpath crossing the church yard could be obstructed and other objections have been received on the grounds of privacy, noise and potential impact on wildlife.

A report to the committee states that the existing churchyard only has a four-year supply left until it becomes full and the proposed extension would provide sufficient burial space for 70 years.

But an objection from the Ramblers Association reads: "Note that a public footpath crosses the church yard and the proposed development area, from the information supplied the footpath has not been taken into account and could be obstructed by the development.

"Therefore the Ramblers' Association objects to the proposed development."

Four other objections have also been received, with reasons including potential loss of views and impact on property prices as well as privacy and noise issues.

The report to the committee states that despite the development being earmarked for green belt land, the applicant has demonstrated 'very special circumstances' as to why it should be allowed.

It said: "The development caters for the long-term needs of the Norton Canes area for a cemetery that will have sufficient capacity for the considerable future, 70 years.

"The associated infrastructure is essential and the building constitute appropriate facilities.

"Notwithstanding this, the development would be inappropriate development in the green belt.

"However, the applicant has demonstrated very special circumstances which outweigh potential harm to the green belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm."

There is a national shortage of burial spaces, including in Cannock Chase where, a study found, there was less than two years' space left.

Under the scheme, the burial spaces would be provided and maintained by the parish council.

The plots would be created along a strip to the north-west of the church in Church Road.

The earliest date for construction work to start on the site would be early 2016.