Bromsgrove planners approve application for new cemetery (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove planners approve application for new cemetery

5:00pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

BROMSGROVE planners have approved an application for a new cemetery in Rubery.

The application, submitted by H2Land, was to change land adjacent to New Inns Lane into a cemetery and woodland burial area with space for 6,678 plots.

The proposal also included a chapel, reception, maintenance building, as well as access from New Inns Lane, a car park and associated landscaping.

But the scheme attracted criticism from nearby residents who complained the cemetery was too close to nearby Reaside Junior School, which could cause unnecessary upset for young children.

There were also complaints about the road becoming busier, and residents commenting that funeral cars passing everyday could be morbid and affect the value of their homes.

The officers report found that although it was acknowledged turning the area into a cemetery would not be psychologically welcomed by all residents, this was not considered a planning issue.

The report also said that although there would be more people going in and out of the cemetery, this was not expected to have a significant or adverse effect on residential amenity.

The application was considered by members of Bromsgrove District Council’s planning committee at its latest meeting held on Monday, (October 15).

It was granted, but permission was given subject to a serious of conditions being fulfilled.

Among the conditions, restrictions were placed on where burials could take place, the height of headstones, and the opening times of the chapel building to the public.

It was also ensured the cemetery’s drainage system would be continually maintained, and that the chapel would not be used for any other reason, other than for cemetery use.