CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new cemetery for Huddersfield could be approved within weeks.

The proposal for the new cemetery at Hey Lane near Berry Brow will be at the Huddersfield Area Planning Sub-committee on January 26.

Council officers insist the preferred site is suitable, even though many people have objected.

There are arguments the land is liable to flood while others point out it is in a windswept location.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “Huddersfield is currently served by three cemeteries which are nearing capacity and no new graves are expected to be available there within two years.

“The proposed site at Hey Lane meets all the requirements of being large enough to justify the investment needed to bring it into use as well as its accessibility, size and potential for future growth.

“The positioning of the entrance has been designed to give maximum sight lines of traffic approaching in either direction and on-site car parking will mean that parking on the road is unlikely.

“Footpaths at the front of the site will be improved. For those without a car the site is currently serviced by the 341 Huddersfield to Stocksmoor bus and there is secure cycle parking.

“Honley railway station is also a short distance away.”

The council insists the proposals for the planned site acknowledges its rural setting and its features will minimise the impact on its surroundings.

The site will feature lawn burials plus restrictions on the height of memorials and what can be used to decorate them. In addition it will maintain the natural topography of the site and will feature native plant species to improve biodiversity.

The proposed scheme will be developed in phases and the first will see car parking facilities, work to the access and principal roads, lawn burial plots, seating and a shelter, landscaping to promote the natural openness of the area, and a spoil area.

Design engineers and the Environment Agency have been consulted on the design to ensure that surface water issues are reduced.

In addition, permeable Tarmac will be used plus a gravel bed to address flooding and rainwater run-off.

The Environment Agency has said it is satisfied that the site design will mean little or no risk of contamination of nearby watercourses.