AN ENVIRONMENTAL body has outlined why it changed its mind over plans to get planning permission for part of a city cemetery.

The Environment Agency had raised “major concerns” last year about a plan to retrospectively grant planning permission to part of Worcester Muslim Cemetery over fears over the risk to human health.

The body’s objection forced a decision to be delayed for almost a year.

The agency has now clarified its position over its objection to the planning cemetery for the application after the body said the land was an unsuitable location for burials due to “high risks to groundwater and human health.”

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We originally objected to the application due to the lack of suitably detailed supporting information to demonstrate that the cemetery did not pose a high risk to groundwater.

“Further supporting evidence has now been provided by the applicant to demonstrate the site meets the minimum legal requirements for a burial site, so our objection to the retrospective planning application was withdrawn.”

City councillor Allah Ditta had asked for permission for part of the cemetery off John Comyn Drive to be used for burials despite it being used since 2005.

The plan had been earmarked for a decision in December last year but was delayed due to the EA’s objection.

Worcester City Council’s planning committee unanimously backed retrospective plans for part of Worcester Muslim Cemetery at a meeting last Thursday (November 19).

At the time, Worcester City Council said it was in discussions with the EA over its objection.

The expansion plans include 785 new plots, pavilion and a peace garden.