New burial ground planned for South Staffordshire
A new burial ground is proposed for Perton as part of a revived cemetery scheme under new plans submitted to South Staffordshire Council.
More than nine hectares of land are proposed to be utilised for the development of the cemetery.
Permission for a cemetery on the site was first granted in 2001, followed by approval for access via Jenny Walkers Lane in 2003. However, apart from some landscaping, there is no clear evidence the development ever commenced.
This new application is substantially the same as the previous granted applications; including the 30 space car park which is in a similar location. A memorial garden is also planned at the centre of the cemetery.
An initial biodiversity study on the site states that the development will ‘provide a significant benefit to wildlife’ and also notes a veteran oak tree lies within the site which should be retailed. A great crested newt report also reveals that the species is likely not present within the site boundary.
The site is located within the greenbelt, this means that any development is inappropriate and should only be granted in very special circumstances. In this case the applicant notes that national planning policy includes cemeteries and burial grounds as an exception providing the openness of the greenbelt is preserved.
The planning and design statement states: “It is considered that the proposed development would provide appropriate facilities associated with an acceptable green belt use and would not be harmful to Green Belt openness or function.
“As far as vehicular access is concerned, this is an existing long-established access with more than adequate space before the site entrance gates to accommodate waiting vehicles off the adjacent highway and with appropriate visibility in both directions and as previously approved.
“In conclusion, the proposal, therefore, represents an acceptable and appropriate form of development within the Green Belt.”
Planning officers at South Staffordshire Council are now set to consider the scheme, with a decision expected later this year.
