Letter: Baffled over Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground expansion

SIR – My thanks to the A&T for highlighting the planning application at Hinton burial grounds (A&T, 13th May).

I found it odd, to say the least, that Bransgore Parish Council raised no objection to the application, saying that no further traffic is expected and therefore no additional work is envisaged to the current access. Really?

Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground, I am told, holds 500 services a year excluding weekends: that's 10 funerals a week. If needed, there is ample scope to expand, especially as there will be over 12,000 more plots available, especially with the new Stem Lane crematorium in New Milton.

Even without taking the extra services, how on earth can Bransgore Parish Council say no more infrastructure is required as business will not increase? It just does not make sense.

The approach road is an absolute disgrace, a hazard, and not worthy of a beautiful place to rest your loved ones.

I suggest that the applicants, the respective councils, the particular land owners, and the planning authorities get a grip and show some respect and compassion to those who use or will use Hinton burial ground

Ron Francis,
Christchurch