First ‘green burial’ ground in North Shropshire (UK)
Plans have been submitted to build the first green burial ground in North Shropshire.
If approved, the site at Alkington Grange, near Whitchurch, would be used for around 10 burials a year using methods and items such as coffins and casks which are non-polluting and biodegradable.
A business plan by James Blantern, the applicant, states that as well as eco-friendly materials there would be no headstones but very small timber markings to lesson the impact on the landscape.
Mr Blantern said he got the idea after seeing a TV programme about green burial grounds.
The site is half an acre within a field on a farm. The business plan reads: “The reason for choosing the site is it faces due west with the setting sun and has lovely views of the Shropshire countryside.”
The price range for each plot is given as £500-£800 to be confirmed at a later date.
The plan also states that for the first five years the vast majority of profits will be invested back into the site to plant trees, shrubs and flowers to create wild flower meadow land. It will also be used for grazing cattle and sheep.
Mr Blantern said: “We believe that a small scale site, such as the one we are proposing, would bring regular employment and monies into the local economy, benefiting not only the local funeral directors but also local accommodation, shops, etc and raising the profile of North Shropshire.”
He added: “It’s difficult to know demand, but if it takes off we could expand it. It’s taken three years to do surveys, get funding and find the right spot, so we’re hoping we get approval from North Shropshire District Council.”
A spokesperson from Shropshire County Council said there were three known green burial grounds in the county, but they are all in South Shropshire.
There are around 30 green burial grounds in England registered with the Natural Burial Ground Association.
Karen Burton, superintendent registrar, said: “Green burial grounds are lovely, they are in beautiful settings such as woodlands and meadows.
“If you don’t want to be in a general cemetery you can be laid to rest somewhere beautiful.”
She added that the funerals could be religious or civil.
A spokesperson from NSDC said public consultation had begun for the plans and would run until December 22.
A decision is expected by January 23.