A PLANNING application to turn an agricultural land in Ellesmere in a ‘natural burial’ site is awaiting approval, but issues about supporting information are hindering the process.

The proposed burial site at New Farm in Lee, Ellesmere, is expected to include a small new porous gravel surface car park, burial plots, mown grass path and a new planting scheme of native hedgerow and tree species.

Highlighted in the planning application is that the site will be used for the “natural burial of human remains” using a mini digger to dig the grave.

The Environment Agency is awaiting the Hydrogeological Risk Assessment to be able to assess the application.

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The consultee comment read: “Reference the above application for a burial ground, there does not appear to be any groundwater risk assessment submitted with the application.

“We would expect, as a minimum, a Tier 1 Hydrogeological Risk Assessment, including a water features survey, to be provided upfront to support the planning application.

“Note, the site is above a principal aquifer.”

It was also highlighted that this was mentioned in pre-application responses in the past.

It was also noted: “The application should clearly detail the number of burials the site will hold and anticipated burial rates.

“We are unable to comment on the suitability of the site for the proposed use without the above information.”

Shropshire Council’s Highways division also commented that information has been submitted assessing the route to the site, traffic generation and the operation of the site.

Officials said: “As submitted therefore it is considered that the applicant has failed to provide the appropriate satisfactory information to properly assess the highway implications and satisfactorily demonstrate that the traffic generation is unlikely to lead to conditions detrimental to highway.

“On this basis the highway authority is of the view that the application should be refused.

The pre-application notes also mentioned consultee responses that act as a guideline for the applicant.

Some points included an ecological impact assessment, drainage, flood risk assessment and more.