Huddersfield councillors approve new cemetery plan
A new cemetery which would relieve pressure on burial grounds in Huddersfield has been approved.
Kirklees Council's cabinet heard a new cemetery was "vital" as all graves in the town are expected to be full within two years.
A planning application will now be submitted for the site at Hey Lane.
Some councillors and residents object to the plan because of highway issues and the proximity of the land to the landmark site of Castle Hill.
Labour councillor Mehboob Khan, leader of the council, said: "There is no such thing as a perfect burial site, so it would have been impossible to find somewhere that didn't raise any issues at all.
"We have a duty to provide burial spaces and this site is well away from residential and business developments, so it will give visitors the maximum peace and tranquillity.
"A town centre site would not offer the same level of dignity and, as it's estimated that the number of burials would be around four per week, the impact on the highways network is negligible."
The site is about nine acres, allowing for approximately 7,500 burials.
There are currently 120 burials a year at Lockwood, Almondbury and Kirkheaton.
The plans will include a car park, access roads, a Muslim burial area and an infant burial area.
Mr Khan said people would be able to submit their views once the application was submitted.