Proposal for £3m private burial ground in Walsall
A £3 million private cemetery is earmarked for farmland currently used for horse grazing in Walsall, it was revealed today.
The planned new 4.3 hectare cemetery is in response to an increasing need for burial space across the borough and would create up to seven jobs.
It would have around 8,000 plots and will join a growing list of private cemeteries being created across the region.
Planning permission is being sought for the new Aldridge Road Burial Park, which also includes a reception building, 64-space car park and a new access road.
It comes just days after it was revealed an extra 5,000 burial plots will be created at Willenhall Lawn Cemetery, which is run by Walsall Council.
Boss of Springhill Cemetery Group, Aamer Waheed, has submitted the application to the local authority. The 51-year-old property developer, of Reedswood Lane, Walsall, said there was a national and local need for high-quality cemeteries.
He said: "A considerable number of cemeteries in and around Walsall are full and the ones with spaces have limited life spans before they become full.
"Streetly Cemetery has about three to four years left before it is full. This is a £3 million investment and a good opportunity for Walsall."
The new cemetery is also expected to create more work for Walsall-based stonemasons, florists and other trades associated with funerals.
The application for the change of use of the land is being considered by Walsall Council planners. St Matthews councillor Mohammed Arif agreed there was a need for more burial plots in Walsall.
He added: "Whether that is the right site remains to be seen. I have received no objections yet from residents."
Last month,he opened a new £2.5 million private cemetery on the Staffordshire and Walsall border, covering eight acres.
