A ROW over proposed burial plots in Redditch is rumbling on after the Conservative group claimed the council had not properly consulted the public.
At the meeting of Redditch Borough Council’s Executive Committee in March, councillors resolved to repurpose an open part of the Abbey Cemetery, next to the crematorium, as new burial space.
The council vowed to explore new options for longer-term burial provision in the borough.
In October 2021, the plans were previously approved to build on Ipsley Meadow but a campaign was launched to stop it with more than 800 public objections.
Some residents feared it would be a loss to the Ipsley community as the land was used for recreational purposes, while others were concerned about the impact on wildlife.
When the Redditch Labour group took control of the council last May, it pledged to stop the proposal and confirmed in September the plans had been withdrawn.
The Conservative Group have criticised the lack of consultation, saying the full democratic process had not been followed, but the council has refuted this.
Group leader, Coun Matt Dormer, said he and his party stood by their decision that Ipsley Meadow was the most suitable place for burials as it was sloped so could not be used for recreation and was close to the church.
“Ipsley Meadow is sloped but not sloped enough for sledging down but not flat enough to hold sporting events on.
“Sometimes you have to give the public what they need, not what they want.”
Redditch Borough Council said the issue of burial land provision had been contained in the Local Plan for the first time.
It added the move meant that when people had their say on the document, they would also be able to express their views on which land should be used for burials – therefore being able to have their say.
A council spokesperson said: “The Council’s Bereavement Services Team, in a report to the Executive Committee in March, as per the democratic process, identified burial space across the borough and not least within the Abbey Cemetery which could be made available in the future as demand will still be there.
“This includes unused burial plots, cutting back hedge lines, repurposing of a planned but unused burial area and to reuse a section of the garden where a small number of ashes have been scattered.
“Land by Morrisons was also put forward and, like all the other options, a lot of work and investigations have to be carried out for further consideration to be made.
“While we understand using an area where ashes were previously scattered is emotive, it will be the last of our options and, as always, residents’ views will be an important part of the process.”
Consultation around the Local Plan is currently taking place with roadshows across the borough and online
Visit this story at redditchstandard.co.uk to click through to the consultation.
