PLANS to create a new graveyard, allotments and orchard in a village will go ahead despite concerns over traffic and flooding.

Three plans to build 30 new allotments, more burial space and a new community orchard on land off Willersey Road in Badsey was approved by councillors.

The approval came despite residents saying the facilities were unsustainable because they could only be accessed by car.

Sarah Bent, who was speaking on behalf of residents in Willersey Road in the village, said there was no public transport for the site.

“How many of you go to a funeral on a bicycle?” she asked councillors.

“Or perhaps you would like to make the 40-minute walk from Badsey and chance the weather.”

Mrs Bent also said building on open countryside would set a “very large precedent” for the rest of the area and residents were also concerned by the speeding on the busy road, as well as the number of lorries, as well as constant flooding.

“What is going to happen when the HGVs meet the cortege?” she said.

Cllr Mike Tennant, vice chairman of Badsey Parish Council, said the plans were a “huge moment” for the village and had come after years of hard work.

The parish council said it will use government New Homes Bonus money to pay for the new facilities.

The allotments would be created at top of the site, the burial ground towards the south west and the community orchard would along the east of the land.

The extra burial space is much-needed, the parish council said, as the churchyard at St James Church in the village is already full.

Two car parks would also be built, one for the burial ground and allotments and another for the orchard.

Cllr Tony Rowley said the plan was a well thought out and deserved support whilst Cllr Liz Eyre said whilst it was outside the village, it had been difficult for the parish council to find suitable burial ground that was closer.

The plan was backed by Wychavon District Council’s planning committee by 14 votes to nil with one abstention at a meeting last Thursday (August 20).