Residents in Tumble say the site is unsuitable

Strong local opposition to the plan has prompted members of Carmarthenshire council's planning committee to visit the location themselves.

A meeting heard that more than 1,300 people had objected to the woodland burial site, along with Llanelli MP Denzil Davies and AM Catherine Thomas.

More than 30 of the objectors attended Thursday's meeting.

I do feel very strongly that a burial ground of this sort does not meet the needs of the local community Tumble resident Eileen Jones

Under the proposals people would be buried in bio-degradable coffins, usually made of wicker or soft wood, on an eight acre site off Bethania Road.

Gravestones or statues would not be allowed, and the plot marked with symbols like a tree, plant or bench.

Tumble resident Eileen Jones welcomed the postponement of the decision.

Busy road

She said: "I don't think anyone can say yes to a planning application of this kind without visiting the site.

"I'm hopeful once they do the council won't approve it.

"I do feel very strongly that a burial ground of this sort does not meet the needs of the local community.

"I'm also extremely concerned about the traffic in this area.

Resident Eileen Jones objects to the plan

"Bethania Road is a very busy road with two schools and this will add to the traffic.

"I am also worried about environmental issues."

Carmarthenshire's planning officers had recommended the application was approved as there were no objections from the Environment Agency of the authority's highways department.

Tim Pullen, managing director of Woodland Burials Wales, said he hoped councillors would follow the recommendation.

Peaceful

"We looked at 12 or 15 sites before we picked this one," he said.

"There were two principal reasons we chose this site.

Tim Pullen says residents have nothing to fear

"One was the access and the second was the atmosphere - when you stand there it feels peaceful.

"It's the way people have been buried for thousands of years.

"People get to choose how they bury their loved ones.

"I think it will benefit the local community as first off they will have a new leisure facility in terms of a community woodland.

"There will also be an increase in trade with people looking for catering and places to go."