MORE than 700 people have now objected to a controversial plan to turn the Ipsley Meadow site in Redditch into a cemetery.

The plan highlights that “space for burial is diminishing in the borough” and the cemetery could provide enough land for between 60 and 70 years of use.

But some Redditch residents fear it would be a loss to the Ipsley community, as the land is used for recreational purposes. Others are fearful of the impact on wildlife and feel the land should be left untouched.

Now, Redditch Labour candidates Andrew Bevan for Matchborough, Sharon Harvey for Winyates and Joanna Kane for Lodge Park, are backing campaigners in their fight to keep the meadow as a recreational green space. 

Hundreds of residents have objected to a plan to convert the popular 4.6 hectare site into a cemetery, which include building a new access road and a car park on the meadow.

The three candidates have written a joint letter to council leader Councillor Matt Dormer after he invited residents to contact him with suggestions for alternative sites for the cemetery.

Sharon Harvey said: “We know there is an urgent need for more burial space, so we are calling on Cllr Dormer to investigate alternative sites in Redditch without delay. The existing Edgioake Cemetery could be extended and improved, instead of spending money creating a new cemetery. If public transport is the issue, then the council must lobby for better links to this area, which would be to the benefit of Astwood Bank anyway.

“We would also like to see Cllr Dormer and his colleagues work constructively with Bromsgrove District Council to identify a potential site for residents from both towns."

Andrew Bevan said: “We stand with the residents of Matchborough and the wider community of Redditch in their opposition to these plans.

How will residents be able to identify alternative sites without specialist information, and how will we know who owns which piece of land?"

Joanna Kane said: “The lockdown has shown that green spaces are vital for our physical and mental wellbeing, especially for those residents who don’t have their own gardens, and that we already don’t have enough land for recreational use.

“I often walk in Ipsley Meadow and it’s always well used – whether it’s people walking their dogs, out with their families, running, cycling, enjoying a picnic or flying model aeroplanes.

“We are determined to protect our precious environment, both now and for future generations.”

In response to the letter, Councillor Dormer said: “I appreciate the candidates taking time to write to me on this matter.”

He says he will now look to put together a response to the letter from the candidates.