5,000 more burial spaces created in new Cannock cemetery
A new cemetery with space for up to 5,000 burials is to be created in Cannock after getting the go-ahead, despite being in the green belt.
It is expected to have room for up to 100 years and will aim to ease the demand for burial spaces across the Staffordshire area.
Permission for the site off Norton Road, Heath Hayes, has been approved by the Cannock Chase Council planning committee.
Other plots serving the area, Cannock Cemetery in Pye Green Road and Wolseley Road Cemetery in Rugeley are no longer accepting new burials.
The land for these latest plans put forward by the council incorporates the former Bleak House open cast site. There has been concerns over the impact on wildlife and green belt land.
But chairman of the planning committee, Councillor Sheila Cartwright said: "At the end of the day it is really needed, everyone voted and no-one was against it. The layout looks nice."
The plans include new paths, road, landscaping and a lodge and reception building.
A report to the committee said: "The development caters for the long-term needs of the district for a cemetery that will have sufficient capacity for the considerable future, 50 to 100 years.
"The associated infrastructure is essential and the buildings constitute appropriate facilities.
"Notwithstanding this, the development would be inappropriate development in the green belt. However, the applicant has demonstrated 'very special circumstances" which outweigh potential harm to the green belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm."
It comes after proposals for space for 500 burials in Norton Canes were revealed earlier this month.
The graveyard is planned on farmland next to the existing cemetery at St James The Great Church in Church Road under the proposal.
If the plans for the green belt land are given the go-ahead, the burial site will provide plots for the next 70 years.
A full planning application has been submitted to Cannock Chase District Council by Norton Canes Parish Council. The spaces would be provided and maintained by the parish council.
If the plans for the site are approved the plots will be created along a strip to the north-west of the church on Church Road.
No access changes will be required for the new plots as the present church gates will be used.
A new footpath along the length of the new plots will be created to connect seating areas and memorial gardens to an ornamental gateway.
