Natural burials ‘will ease pressure’
a new burial ground in the field incorporating a small parking and drop-off area.
“However, this will not be a traditional cemetery. There will be no headstones.
“It is intended to be a natural burial process with no harmful chemicals, caskets or other materials used in the process.
“There will be a formal gathering area, with seating and a decorative wall to provide some shelter for those attending services or visiting to pay their respects or just to meditate.”
He added: “There is an urgent need for further burial ground facilities in Edinburgh.
“The most appropriate location is at the edge of the city, where there is good access.
“The main issue is that it is within a Special Landscape Area.
“It has, however, been clearly stated there will be very limited impact due to the nature of the use and the lack of any significant building.”
Edinburgh planning officials said the Bonaly bid “fails to demonstrate the proposal will have a positive impact on the character and appearance of the Special Landscape Area, it has not been demonstrated there is no significant adverse effect on the quality of the water environment, there is insufficient information submitted to enable a clear view to be formed of the transport impacts of the development”.
There were 24 objections and 24 comments in support of the application, which will be viewed by development management committee members on Wednesday.
A community group, the Colinton Amenity Association, raised concerns over transport saying that “in traffic and parking terms the location is not therefore appropriate for the intended use”.
One support wrote: “I would welcome this ground becoming a burial plot, my preference is burial.
“This seems an ideal site for this since there is a pylon running through it and it can’t really be used for anything else.”
The landowner could not be contacted for comment.