A VILLAGE could be set to have its own cemetery if plans to convert a piece of land are given the green light.

A bid to create the cemetery and five homes on land off Kelvedon Road have been submitted to Colchester Council.

The proposals would also include a car park and office for the cemetery.

The closest cemetery to Tiptree are either ten miles away in Colchester or 17 miles award in Chelmsford.

The planning statement said: “There is a clear need for a new cemetery in Tiptree. No such current facility exits. The site is well serviced for cars and safe pedestrian access and also on a good public transport link.

“The closest cemetery to the residents of Tiptree with capacity is Chelmsford or Colchester which is some distance away for local residents to visit their loved ones.

“It would be a real benefit for local residents to be able to lay family to rest in their local parish.”

Tiptree Parish Council has not objected to the plans and comments in support have been received.

One said: “It is a great disappointment to families, especially those who have lived in Tiptree all their lives, to discover that they or their loved ones cannot be buried in Tiptree.

“Burial elsewhere can make it difficult for family members to visit and tend a grave.

“Tiptree has a growing population and there is a need for a cemetery to meet the present and future needs of residents.”

The layout will include a garden of remembrance, a designated area for child burial, ashes burial and traditional burial.

The plans also include five new three-bedroom houses neighbouring the cemetery.

The planning application added: “The single storey nature of the development ensures existing private amenity is protected and would not result in any loss of privacy or overlooking.

“The orientation of the proposed dwellings also ensure no harm is identified in this regard.”

If approved the work should start at the begging of next year.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.