Anglesey cemetery expansion plan approved amid 'urgent need' for burial plots

Anglesey locals can be buried on the same site as family members for many more years to come after a cemetery extension was approved. Island planners agreed to allow an extension at the Y Rhyd burial ground at Cemaes after it became clear that room was running out.

Anglesey County Council's planning committee had received a full application for the change of use of agricultural land to extend the facility. It would see an extension to the existing cemetery located on the outskirts of the coastal village of Cemaes, adjacent to Capel Bethesda.

Llanbadrig Community Council had submitted the application after describing "an urgent need" to develop more burial plots. The cemetery on the north coast of the island has reached a 90% occupancy "with perhaps a further twenty burial plots available," the application had stated.

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This had equated over recent years to a maximum of two year's requirement. "It is therefore essential for additional local facilities to become available within a short time scale," they said.

The site, on council owned land, would be merged with the existing cemetery to the east and south. The planning application said: "The site is the final resting place for many members of families from within the local community.

"The proposed extension would provide additional spaces for further members of those families in close proximity, all within the same overall facility, providing convenience locally, and reducing the need for travel.

"It would provide adequate facility for the local community for many decades to come, maintaining both the function and character of the existing cemetery."

The proposed development was considered by planning officials to have conformed with policies. It was not considered that the development would create "unacceptable impacts upon the character, appearance or amenities of the area or nearby residential occupiers".

Planning enforcement manager Stephen Owen said the although land was of higher quality agricultural land, it was considered there was an "overriding need" for the development to provide additional burial facilities. "It was the most appropriate and logical location," and there were no other alternative local sites, he said.

No objections had been received and all consultees had confirmed they had no objection. "The council's property department had confirmed the land had been retained for the purpose of extending the cemetery in its capacity as the burial authority," he said.

The plan was considered "acceptable" and it was recommended for approval. Local member Cllr Liz Wood said: "This is an important issue for the Cemaes area, and the Cemaes Community Council and residents are aware of what is happening, and everybody is happy with it."

Cllr Trefor Lloyd Hughes proposed the application should be approved and it was seconded by Cllr Liz Wood. A vote was held and it was permitted.

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