New cemetery plans revealed

PLANS for a new city cemetery have taken a step forward after Cardiff council submitted a planning application.

The council wants to develop a new burial space on a nine-acre site north of the M4 on the A469, as it is predicted the capital could run out of space to bury the dead after June 2020.

The new burial ground would be less than 650 metres from Thornhill Cemetery – the biggest in the city, which is running out of space.

But a nearby business says it would be put at risk by the new burial ground and has objected to the application.

The planning application says: “Cardiff is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK with an increasing population, and as the population grows so does the death rate for the city.

“Whilst cremation is the preferred choice for the majority of people, around 30 per cent of deaths still opt for burial for personal and religious reasons.

“As a council responsible for a growing, diverse community it is essential that it provides the necessary infrastructure to accommodate all citizens who will encounter bereavement at some point and ensure it adequately plans for the long term future.”

Thornhill is one of just three of the seven council-owned burial sites which has space for new graves.

Thornhill deals with more than 700 burials a year, and more than 200 new graves.

If the council’s planning committee allow the new burial space it would have space for traditional graves, lawn graves, cremated remains graves and a natural burial area.

It is hoped the new burial area, which would include a public shelter, toilet block and 30 car parking spaces, could serve the city for up to 20 years.

The land is currently operated by New House Farm, which has a lease there for another 18 years.

Cardiff council, the landlord, is negotiating with the farm so it could retake control of the land by October 2019, according to a planning statement.

But Andrew and Carol Phillips, tenants of New House Farm, have objected to the development.

In a letter to the council they said: “We run a very popular farm shop which is in danger of being adversely affected by such a development putting in danger the employment (of) our 15 employees.

“Our small caravan site which is situated on the farm would be affected as the proposed development adjoins the site.

“One criteria for a burial site is tranquillity. This site certainly doesn’t offer that as it’s next to the busy M4 which is very noisy. Has a noise pollution survey been carried out?

“The M4 has always been a natural barrier to stop any development northwards.

“This proposal sends a very negative message that the council don’t care about preserving the beautiful backdrop to the city.”

The site located in the “green wedge” – land around Cardiff where development is more restricted to protect the countryside.

But new cemeteries are among the exceptions to the restrictions around building in green wedges, according to Planning Policy Wales.