Plans to add almost 1,600 new burial plots at a cemetery because of Covid deaths have spawned objections to using the proposed “green wedge” land, which is a “designated special landscape area”.

At its meeting on Wednesday, Conwy county council’s planning committee will assess whether to grant permission for the extension at Llanrhos Cemetery in Llandudno.

The 0.87 hectare parcel of land adjacent to the cemetery is currently used for grazing horses and is separated from the existing burial ground by a hedge, fence and some small trees.

There will be gravel paths and drainage as part of the proposal and the new site, if permitted, would be accessible on foot from the existing cemetery.

The site lies within a “designated special landscape, green wedge and historic landscape” area according to a report going to committee members on Wednesday – and there are a number of trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

The area is also allocated for safeguarding of “hard rock reserves, and sand and gravel”.

The document adds: “To the north-northwest of the site lies St Hilary’s Church which is a Grade II listed building.

“The boundary walls of the church and a drinking fountain at the church are also Grade II listed, as is Gloddaeth Hall Lodge and the gate, piers, walls and railing of Llandudno Lodge which lie at the entrance to the existing cemetery.”

The full application is seeking permission to construct the extension, footpaths and landscaping.

There will be 639 double-depth burial plots, 180 single-depth burial plots and 749 cremation plots, giving a total of 1,568 spaces.

However there have been several objections to developing the land from nearby residents.

Llandudno and Colwyn Bay History Society has also objected to the development, citing a lack of consultation with local residents and the fact the land is designated a “green wedge” and of “special scientific interest”.

A planning needs report published in March revealed Llanrhos only had 13 double plots (enough for 26 burials) left on November 9 last year and averages 131 interments annually.

It continued: “The need to extend Llanrhos Cemetery is cogent given the level of existing burial provision, local burial rates and the rising and ageing population.

“Furthermore, in the current context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the added likelihood of ‘pandemic years’, the need for the cemetery extension is further justified as unfortunately the extra deaths lead to an increase in burials.”

The report said four of the county’s 11 cemeteries were already up to capacity and can’t take any more burials.

It also stated with a burial rate of 20 per cent of deaths and the population rising in the county, the number of burials will continue to steadily rise.

Population projections also show the number of over 65s in the county is currently around 27 per cent but is expected to rise to around 31 per cent by 2028.

The report said although there is currently space at Llangwstenin and Bron y Nant cemeteries, diverting burials from Llanrhos would soon take up their spare capacity and more space would need to be found.

Officers have recommended granting the scheme, subject to resolving matters related to ecology and protected trees within two months of approval.