A CONTROVERSIAL plan to turn a meadow into a new cemetery for Redditch has been stopped by the council.

Back in October 2021, plans to create a cemetery at Ipsley Meadow were previously approved by Redditch Borough councillors.

The proposal was lodged in response to a national shortage of burial sites. However, a campaign was sparked to stop the plans, with more than 800 objections from the public.

Some residents fear it would be a loss to the Ipsley community, as the land is used for recreational purposes, with others concerned about the impact on wildlife.

Now, Labour's Joe Baker, the leader of Redditch Borough Council, has confirmed that work to transform Ipsley Meadows into the new cemetery has been stopped.

He said that alternative sites have been found for a potential new cemetery, but he has not yet revealed where proposed sites are.

Councillor Baker said: "It's not going ahead. Because we have found these alternative sites, we can stop the development".

'Stop the cemetery plans for our park' banner'Stop the cemetery plans for our park' banner (Image: Joni Lovell)

Addressing followers on Facebook, the council leader added: "When I took leadership of the Labour Group two years ago, we started a campaign to listen to you and to take your thoughts and ideas into consideration.

"You told us that you did not want the library demolished and moved to the town Hall.

"You told us you did not want the cemetery at Ipsley Meadows.

"You asked for a council that listens and works for our communities.

"I am proud of what we have achieved in just four months, we are still listening and working to fulfil ours and your manifesto".

Sharon Harvey, the council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for environmental services, added: "We are committed to not putting it on Ipsley Meadow. We have got a couple of sites we are investigating.

"I think they are good options".

A spokesperson for Redditch Borough Council said: "Plans for future burial provision for Redditch are under review.

"In the meantime, we have managed to identify space for approximately two more years of burials in Redditch's existing cemeteries".