I have written to Walsall Council to object to the unacceptable proposition to vary the planning consent for a Natural Burial Ground at Winterley Lane, Rushall which will increase the proposed number of burials by 1,100% only weeks after receiving approval.

Walsall Council originally consented to a Natural Burial Ground at Winterley Lane, where there would be 50 burials per year, given the limited access to the site and recognising the concerns of local residents.

Within the space of only a few weeks there is now a proposed variation to the planning consent to allow 576 burials a year, representing a 1,100% increase. This also means an increase in traffic movement of over 1,100% at a site that has limited access.

This variation is completely unacceptable. It is not a well-meaning proposition. It is a commercial venture seeking to usurp the planning system.

A number of residents have spoken with me and contacted me about this matter and I have written to Walsall Council to express my concerns about this completely unnecessary planning variation. I have also pressed upon them the detrimental impact this will have to local residents living within the vicinity of the site.