A BID to create a burial chamber on Exmoor which could house up to 1,700 urns with ashes will go before Exmoor National Park Authority on Tuesday.

Mrs L Barlow, of Emmetts Grange House, Simonsbath, wants planning permission to create a burial mound in an isolated area south west of Simonsbath, on agricultural land at Emmetts Grange.

But is being recommended for refusal, as planning officers say its site, scale and shape would be detrimental to the landscape’s character and appearance.

The proposed mound would be four and a half metres above ground level, in the shape of an elongated circle and lit by candles inside plus the light from two doorways.

Three letters of support for the burial mound had been received saying, among other things:

* It would provide a service and extra employment as well as a more private experience for the bereaved.

* Space to bury people at St Luke’s Church in Simonsbath would not last forever.

* The proposal was environmentally desirable and eco-friendly.