A Cheshire family has applied for permission to use land at Moston as a multi-faith natural burial ground.

Susan and Terry Lea have run the well-established Sleepy Meadow Pet Cemetery at Mill Lane, Moston, for more than 20 years.

They say a number of people have also expressed an interest in natural burial – the burial of human remains where the burial area creates habitat for wildlife or preserves existing habitats such as woodland, species rich meadows, orchards for example or sustainably managed farmland.

So, together with daughter Sheri Ward, they have applied to Cheshire East Council for permission to use a 1.47 hectare parcel of pastureland they own south of Warmingham Lane, as a natural burial ground for the burial of biodegradable coffins and urns.

A planning statement, submitted by Adams Planning & Development, on behalf of the applicant, says: "The local needs for burial provision in Cheshire East area in general is currently being met through a combination of providers including the council and local and parish churches."

It says, while there is no specific information contained within Cheshire East Council's 2019 cemetery strategy report on natural burial ground demand in Sandbach and the surrounding areas, 'our client already operates a nearby pet cemetery and has confirmed that there is pent up local demand for both the coffin and urn burials that are being proposed in this instance through expressions of interest from past clients and people generally in the area from their discussions'.

The planning document adds: "It is evident the proposed natural burial site will, therefore, not only assist Cheshire East Council in meeting their future burial requirements, but it will also offer a new natural burial ground facility that is not currently provided for in the area.

"This natural burial ground will be operated by Sleepy Meadows who have an existing pet cemetery nearby and will be run to a high standard with a low-intervention approach. The natural burial ground will also be open to all faiths, rather than being tied to and limited to certain faiths/religions."

The application also seeks permission for an amenity building which would contain a management office, reception area and internal and external meeting spaces. There would also be two disabled-compliant toilets for visitors to the burial ground.

The planning document states: "Unlike traditional graveyards, which are often perceived as morbid or less attractive places to dwell, the high quality natural environment and gathering area that are being created in this instance aim to encourage people to stay and enjoy the natural environment."

The application, number 23/3570C, can be viewed on the planning portal on the Cheshire East Council website.

The last date for submitting comments is November 9, 2023.