Disused farm land in Walsall could be converted into a burial ground
Disused farm land in Walsall which has been left in a “state of neglect” could be converted into a burial ground if plans are given the go-ahead.
Shezad Akram has put forward a proposal to Walsall Council planners to transform more than 63 square metres of agricultural land on Barr Lakes Lane.
If the plans are approved, the developer said it would help address a shortfall of burial spaces in the local area.
Mr Akram added adjacent land has already been granted planning permission to be converted into a new cemetery.
The application said: “The subject site generally comprises of underused agricultural land and service yard at Barr Lakes Lane.
“A large proportion of the original Springhill Farm curtilage has been the subject of an approved planning application for a cemetery with works to progress imminently.
“As a result of this approval, the remaining land to Springhill Farm has become redundant with both land and buildings approaching a state of neglect and disrepair.
“By the nature of the proposal, the development will benefit from extensive high quality landscaping within both the memorial gardens and the burial grounds.
“The burial grounds will contain numerous seating areas for reflection planting borders separating these spaces. The burial grounds will also benefit from the planting of ‘native species’ trees.
“The vast majority of the burial grounds will be laid to grass with short mown paths forming the aisles.
“The plans represent good sustainable development by way of utilising land which is underused and becoming an eyesore for a use that will meet the needs of the general public and compliment the adjacent cemetery development.
“The location of the development has good transport links with public transport in close proximity of the site.
“The plans will contribute towards meeting a shortfall of burial grounds within the locality.
“The proposal will be considered as a vast visual improvement to the site, which in its current form detracts from the quality of the area and the future developments.”
Walsall Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the proposal in November.
