RESIDENTS have hit out at a planning application that would see a natural burial ground being built at Brockhill Wood on the Redditch and Bromsgrove border.
The proposal, which falls within the administrative boundary of Bromsgrove District Council in Tardebigge, sets out plans to create a ‘low-impact, landscape-led use of the land’ and address the need for additional burial provision in the area.
The application, submitted by The Woodland Burial Group Ltd, said: “No buildings, permanent structures, external lighting or urbanising infrastructure are proposed.
“The woodland would remain the defining and dominant feature of the site, with burial activity occurring intermittently rather than continuously.
“The burial ground would be brought forward in phases across the site, responding to woodland structure and management considerations and would utilise the existing access point onto Brockhill Lane and established internal rides, thereby avoiding the need for new engineered infrastructure.”
The application aims to address the need for additional burial provision in the area, however residents are concerned about the impact on the character of the woodland, the increased traffic and the environmental impact.
Peter Merricks, who lives in Redditch, told the Standard: “While I recognise the need for appropriate burial provision, I have several significant concerns regarding the suitability of this particular site and the potential impacts on the local area.
“Brockhill Wood is a valued natural area that contributes to the local landscape and sense of tranquillity.
“The introduction of a burial ground, along with associated infrastructure such as access roads and car parking, would urbanise what is currently a relatively undeveloped woodland setting.
“This would result in a harmful change to the rural and natural character of the site, contrary to the expectation that woodland areas should be protected and preserved.”
Coun Peter Whittaker, who represents Tardebigge on Bromsgrove District Council, said: “I have received a call and two emails about the proposal and can confirm the application is with council officers who are evaluating it.
“I would urge people to wait for the officer’s report to see what they come back with first before deciding on what to do next.”
Search: 26/00482/FUL on the Bromsgrove and Redditch planning portal for more information.
