Pontesford Hill burial site plan withdrawn

Pontesford Hill, on the outskirts of Pontesbury, was sold by the Forestry Commission in 2010.

In December 2013, applicant Simon Hutchen applied to Shropshire Council to turn the hill into a natural burial ground in which people would be buried and their plot marked by a tree.

He also wanted to create an outdoor amphitheatre and replica working Iron Age camp.

It emerged today that Mr Hutchen has withdrawn the plans. It is unclear whether he will now resubmit his scheme in a different format.

The hill was sold to him by the Forestry Commission in 2010, despite local villagers in Pontesbury wanting to buy it themselves.

Late last year Mr Hutchen applied to turn the site of special scientific interest into a commercial enterprise.

He said the amphitheatre and fort would provide a much needed outdoor educational site for local children.

His claims were backed up by consultancy BoA Designs, which said the outdoor amphitheatre could be used by local schools and drama groups, while the replica Iron Age Camp would be an educational area for community use.

The report added part of the hill could be set aside for natural burials, a concept that has proved popular in other parts of the country.

But last year, local councillors failed to back the plans, with Pontesbury Parish Council stating it was out of keeping with the local area.

And villagers said the hill should be retained for local use and to ruin the natural beauty of the area would be detrimental to wildlife and increased traffic leading to the proposed hill fort and educational area would be out of keeping with the quiet lanes and bridle paths.

Mr Hutchen has now formally withdrawn his application for planning permission with Shropshire Council. He was unavailable for comment today.

Meanwhile a Planning Inspectorate hearing is sue to take place in November to determine the situation regarding the many footpaths that cross Pontesford Hill and to make several more.

Pontesbury Parish Council wants additional footpaths and bridal ways created on the hill. New footpaths, which would criss-cross the ancient hill fort site, have been outlined.

A public inquiry into the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 is currently scheduled to last three days and will be held at 10am on Tuesday November 11 at Pontesbury Public Hall. It is unclear if today's development will affect the inquiry.

Shropshire Council plans to hold a 'drop in' session before the inquiry so anyone can ask questions about giving evidence.