Eco-burial ground where loved ones will be buried in a biodegradable urn approved near Crewe

Families will also have the option to have a natural stone or tree at their loved one burial plot

Plans for an eco-burial ground near Crewe has been approved by the council.

The proposals for the Forget Me Not Fields, adjacent to Old Puseydale on Main Road in Shavington were approved by councillors at Cheshire East Council on June 23.

According to documents submitted by the applicant Simon Clutton, who owns the land, the need for 'natural burial grounds' has been increasing over the years and there is currently an 'unmet demand' for both 'natural urn and coffin burials'.

A natural burial is a term used to describe the burial of human remains where the area creates habitat for wildlife or preserves existing habitats.

Top story: The delayed side effects that can happen after having the Pfizer vaccine

The applicant states in their documents that this eco-friendly burial ground will be 'the first of its kind' in South Cheshire, with nearest site in 10 miles away in Winsford.

The document also stated that Mr Clutton recently became aware of the lack of burial ground plots in Shavington following the death of his father.

It said: "The applicant recently became aware of the complete lack of burial ground plots in the Shavington area following the recent passing of his father.

"It was apparent that Shavington has no available burial plots and limited choice even for traditional burial plots in the Crewe area."

The plots will be 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres in size and a 'theoretical capacity' to offer 5,500 urn sites.

Latest news from CheshireLive

• 10 areas in Cheshire with the highest Covid rates
• Gemma Atkinson on losing her dad at 17 and decision have heart MOT
• New BBC show The Dodger to be filmed in Ellesmere Port this week
• Hotpod Yoga plans to move into empty Chester city centre church
• Family-run Post Office to shut as owners can't afford to keep it open
• Beelivery aims to become best in the world after huge investment

Each of the plots will be marked on a topographical survey of the land so that a GIS System can be cross referenced to ensure that accurate identification of the burial site.

There will also be the option for families to have a small natural stone or a tree to remember their loved ones.

Three household living nearby did object to the plans for numerous reasons.

One person said: "The prospect of having 2 burials a day plus hundreds or even thousands of graves is ridiculous and inconsiderate."

Other reasons included impact on privacy, traffic concerns and that demand for such burial grounds is low.

However, there were also two letters of support, which said that Shavington did not have its own burial ground and people 'who live in the village should be able to have their ashes buried where they have lived rather than in the main town cemetery'.

Another person said: "This is something the whole village should embrace."

Councillors at Cheshire East approved the planning application and permission was granted for the proposals to go ahead.