PLANS to use a plot of land in Bangor on Dee as a village cemetery have been refused.

A planning application submitted to Wrexham Council requested permission for the use, on a plot of land to the west of Friars Court.

The council’s planning committee will receive a report when its members meet today, which confirms the cemetery proposals have have been refused in a delegated decision by planning officers.

An accompanying document, submitted with the plans, explains: “The existing cemetery, which adjoins the parish church, is reaching capacity and the community council wishes to ensure provision for the future is available when needed.

“It is anticipated that approximately 200 burial plots would become available.

“The provision of a cemetery is an essential local facility and it is difficult to see a more sustainable location than in Bangor on Dee.

“The chance of any problems arising as a result of burials or the traffic associated with them is miniscule.”

In a decision notice Lawrence Isted, chief officer for planning and regulatory at the council, said: “The proposed development would involve highly vulnerable development within a floodplain and the use of the flood embankment for access.

“Due to the location of the proposal in relation to the River Dee Special Area of Conservation a habitats regulations assessment is required.

“The application does not include sufficient information on access issues involving the use of the flood embankment and public right of way for vehicular access.”