By Carmarthenshire County Council
CONTROVERSIAL plans for an eco-friendly cemetery will be decided upon after Carmarthenshire’s development chiefs visit the planned site. The county council’s planning committee this morning voted to visit the site near Upper Tumble, where woodland Burials, (Wales) Ltd wants to set up the burial ground.
A number of local objectors attended today’s meeting to voice their concerns about proposals for the site, situated about 450 metres from Bethnia Road. A 1,386-signature petition and 29 letters against the proposals had been sent in. Local MP Denzil Davies and AM Catherine Thomas had also written in with concerns.
There were fears the cemetery could create pollution in nearby waterways and create extra dangerous traffic. But the Environment Agency and the council’s Highways department had been satisfied there was no danger. Planners also felt the proposals would have no adverse affect on the amenity of the area.
People would be buried in bio-degradable coffins, with no stone headstones or other memorial structures. Graves would be marked with wooden plaques or plants. The eight-acre site is designed to give a tranquil resting place in harmony with the environment.
The site will be suitable for religious and non-religious people, providing an alternative to traditional burials and cremations. The L-shaped site would have one area for burials and another area for ashes, as well as a 30-space and path to the burial area.
Local councillor Neil Baker expressed concerned and asked committee members to see the area for themselves before making a decision. He said: “It’s obviously controversial and it’s the first of it’s nature in the county. “I believe it would be pf benefit to go and visit the site.”
Objectors and the applicants will now have the chance to speak when councillors will visit the site on Wednesday, October 22.
Source - Carmarthenshire County Council