'The battle is far from over', vows Walsall cemetery campaign group
A campaign group which was launched against controversial plans for an 8,000-plot cemetery in Walsall have vowed the 'battle is far from over' despite the Government rejecting initial proposals.
The original plans for a £3 million cemetery in Aldridge Road were turned down by Walsall Council more than a year ago but an appeal was lodged by the developers.
It was last month dismissed by a planning inspector to the delight of campaigners which saw a 1,200 name petition collected.
The Residents Against Cemetery group was set up in opposition to the the private burial site. It has welcomed the decision but warned against a second application that has been lodged and will go before the council.
Chairman Suky Samra said they were pleased by the planning inspector's decision: "That is good news, however our battle is far from over, as some would like you to believe.
"Walsall Council will now consider the second current application for the site that was on hold until this decision was issued.
"As always, we will continue to fight against any inappropriate development on our precious green belt."
A series of public meetings were organised when the plan's for the 4.3 acre site were first announced and saw around 300 people attend.
There were concerns over the change of use of the agricultural use as it was off a busy route. People were worried it would lead to traffic problems and they were also concerned about the loss of green belt and that the land would be susceptible to flooding.
The revised scheme has already been sent to the council, including flooding assessments and proposals to plant trees to keep a reception building hidden.
In rejecting the appeal for the initial scheme planning inspector Jennifer Vyse said: "The proposal would involve inappropriate development which is intrinsically harmful to the green belt. It would involve a loss of openness and some harm from the introduction of a new access and parking areas."
"In my opinion, the current appearance and use of the appeal site mean that it is seen as part of the wider countryside.
"I am firmly of the opinion that the development proposed, with its attendant memorial stones, formal layout, hard-surfaced roads and pathways, the introduction of vehicular traffic, the erection of buildings, and careful maintenance of the majority of the grounds, would have a significant and adverse impact on the appearance and character of this part of the countryside."
