PROPOSALS for a natural burial site between Bridport and Dorchester have been re-submitted.

The four-hectare site, north of the old roman road between Winterbourne Abbas and Compton Valence near the junction to a diary, was first proposed almost a year ago, but was later withdrawn.

It has now been submitted again to Dorset Council with some slight changes – including the inclusion of a composter toilet.

The application has been submitted in the name of Compton Valence Farms.

Agents for the farming group say the ‘green’ burial site use is compatible with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and will provided a useful income to support local farming.

The previous application had not attracted any objections, either from any of the statutory consultees, or public. Apart from a agricultural-style building and car parking there will be little to be seen at the site, with most of the grass management achieved by using sheep.

The proposal includes an open sided oak framed shelter with a toilet and small meeting room at one end if it and a 40-space car park, although the application says that apart from days when there is a funeral there are only likely to be one of two vehicles on the site. It expects visitors to come from a 13-mile radius which will include Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth.

The agents say that there will be work for two part-time staff and the site will be available for funerals 10am to 4pm during the week and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

In their planning documents the company say: “a growing number are choosing alternative funerals. A natural burial ground provides a peaceful place of retreat.. people of all faiths and none are welcome.”

Comments on the proposal are open until March 3rd.