PLANS to create a new burial ground in Huddersfield are gathering pace.

But they are likely to face fierce protests.

A planning application has been submitted to Kirklees Council to change the use of land at Hey Lane, Berry Brow, to make way for a 500-plot cemetery.

The move comes after Kirklees Council’s cabinet gave the idea the go-ahead last month, despite fierce objection.

The Hey Lane location – near Castle Hill – will allow for around 7,500 burials, including 200 Muslim burial plots.

There will also be a flagged sanctum area and parking for 60 cars and two coaches.

The nine-acre site was one of several considered by council officers earlier this year, to help alleviate the graves shortage in South Kirklees.

Cemeteries in Almondbury and Lockwood are expected to reach capacity within the next two years.

Space at Kirkheaton is limited by the presence of great crested newts.

But the proposed Hey Lane burial ground has attracted opposition from local people.

Newsome ward councillor Andrew Cooper now hopes planners will turn down the plan after looking at the impact on the local area.

He said: “Now this is a planning matter, this will have to be looked at from a planning perspective and what the council’s needs are.

“As such, we think this is a good time to look at the impact on the green belt and the transport issues there.

“There is also a broader question about its viability as a cemetery because it is quite out of the way for a lot of people who will want to come and visit their relatives there.

“It is not fit for purpose and will be a blot of the landscape.

“This is not a Nimby (not in my back yard) issue.

“It is about the unsuitability of a cemetery for the people who are going to use it.”

The plans – which are up for public consultation until November 7 – include seating, a bike rack and planting to provide screening.

The application is expected to be decided on December 1.