FARMLAND in Herefordshire could soon be home to a new burial ground, if Herefordshire Council says yes to proposals.

Owners of Ash Farm in Much Birch, between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, have asked Herefordshire Council if it can change the use of 2.63 hectares of agricultural land to a natural burial site, with associated groundworks and car parking.

The farm, which was bought by the current owners in 2019, has 7.68 hectares of land in total, according to planning document submitted to planners, with the grassland used to graze sheep.

But now the owners are asking for the go-ahead to turn to areas of the farmland into a natural burial site, with parking spaces for up to 40 cars.

There would be two fields used, one for "wholly natural burials" and one for "more traditional burials".

"The burial site would be for the internment of human remains, and suitable for full caskets or burial of ashes, with a package of options available to those mourning their loved one," the planning statement said.

It added: "The site would be planted with an array of wildflowers and bulbs, families would be encouraged to plant natural bulbs for daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops on the grave site.

"Visual impact on the neighbouring properties will also be reduced by not permitting grave markers.

"The field to the east of the site would be a burial site with a natural theme but for those who want traditional caskets, and funeral preparation, a flat stone marker (size limited to 40cm x 40cm) would be permitted to denote the grave, but restricted to bulbs and suitable planting only.

"The flat stone markers will be set into the ground and will largely be flush, rather than raised to reduce visual impact. The markers should not be visually intrusive, and in long grass they should not be visible when overlooking the site."

The plans include a proposed shelter to allow mourners a dry space if weather is poor weather during internment, or when they are visiting the site.

If the council approves the plans, the site will be open to visitors from 8am until darkness, and some jobs could be created.

Consultation on planning application 204377 is open until February 4, with a target date for a decision on March 22.