Perton natural burial site plan sparks worry
Plans to transform acres of woodland in Perton into a natural burial ground have sparked concern from councillors who fear the site may not be suitable.
Around 8.6-acres will become burial space if the proposals are approved by South Staffordshire District Council. But parish councillors say they are worried that the development may also lead to offices being built there.
At a meeting last night they also raised fears that the woodland may be too dense for groups of visitors to walk through.
Unlike traditional cemeteries, natural burial grounds have no individual gravestones or stone memorials. Instead, small plaques are hung from trees and posts to act as the only outward sign of burials there.
The application has been submitted by the trustees of the Lord Wrottesley Voluntary Settlement and the site at Corser's Rough will be managed by the Natural Burial Company.
At the council meeting last night, Councillor Penny Allen said: "I don't think this is a practical use of the woodland. I don't know how in its current state someone would be able to venture in there and walk safely.
"I think it is ambitious and I don't necessarily welcome it, especially if it means offices will be built to accommodate any staff."
Councillor Chris Evans added: "There is a gate to the site that is constantly locked at the moment – there needs to something like that to ensure people don't go too far into the woods, as we could end up with cars being dumped and burned."
Graves will not be visibly marked but records will be kept by placing a GPS transponder in each one.
The application states: "The proposal for a new natural burial ground has a negligible effect on the natural environment and what effect there is, is a positive one. Unlike a traditional cemetery, there is virtually no impact on the land."
