A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has approved controversial plans for a 26-acre woodland burial ground on farmland at Randalls Hill near Lytchett Minster.

Residents fought the plans, fearing the risk of groundwater contamination and possible spread of disease.

A planning appeal won by Poole-based funeral director Tapper and Son is conditional on water quality monitoring.

No burials can take place until details of a long-term water quality monitoring scheme have been approved by Purbeck District Council, the inspector ruled.

Funeral director Stephen Tapper said: "There are public concerns and I can understand them but there is no basis for them.

"The Environment Agency does expect monitoring procedures put in place and should it find anything wrong, the EA has strong powers to ensure it is put right and can close it down."

The planning inspector stated: "Notwithstanding the fact that the EA is content that the quality of controlled waters would be adequately protected by the development, I also consider it highly unlikely that water running down Randalls Hill would present a real risk to the environment or public health if the proposed scheme were to go ahead."

The inspector's approval is on a number of conditions including one that the site is closed to the public during hours of darkness.

Mr Tapper said: "This site is capable of looking after the burial requirements for local people for generations. This is our centenary year - my great grandfather started the firm in 1904 - so this has come at a great time for us."

First published: October 19