Expansion plans for South Anston Cemetery rejected

Hague Farming applied to increase the facility by 0.8 acres on agricultural land beside the Sheffield Road site.

The plans said that the expansion would mean an extra 15-year supply of plots, with a new access being provided to replace the existing two.

Ten parking spaces were part of the proposals, which said this number would be enough for small gatherings at burials and regular daily visitors.

But a Rotherham Council spokesperson said: “The applicant has failed to submit a groundwater survey to demonstrate that the risks posed by the development to groundwater can be satisfactorily managed and not pose an unacceptable risk of causing a detrimental impact to groundwater quality.

“Accordingly, due to the lack of information the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to adequately assess the impact.”

The lack of a biodiversity report was also cited in RMBC’s refusal.