A CEMETERY could be expanded because of a shortage of burial plots.

Farmland adjacent to Heaton Cemetery has been earmarked for an extension, under plans put forward by Bolton Council.

Additional burial space, with access, car parking and landscaping, is included in proposals for the land to the south and south-east of Atkinsons farm, off Overdale Drive, in Heaton.

The council's Greenspace department is seeking outline planning permission for the extension, which would eat into Atkinsons farm - land currently held on tenancy from Bolton Council.

A council spokesman said: "Bolton is a forward thinking council and has identified the need to secure adequate burial space for future years.

"A planning application has been submitted for an extension to Heaton Cemetery. As part of the planning process consultation is taking place with ward members, nearby residents and members of the local community.

"The plan for the 2007/8 financial year is to seek planning permission to enable us to secure the land for future development as a cemetery. The specifics and costs of the initial site works will be determined, if planning approval is granted, at the detailed design stage. Subject to approval we would hope to start the initial works in the 2008/09 financial year.

"The Atkinsons farm tenant has an agricultural tenancy with the council which will need to be reviewed if planning approval is granted."

Resident, Ian Holder, whose house in Heaton Grange Drive overlooks the proposed site, has objected to the plans. He said: "We would overlook this site, directly onto a graveyard and car park. This has a detrimental effect on the small amount of green land left here.

"We strongly object to any further development in this totally saturated area."

A chronic shortage of cemetery plots, nationally, has led to an increase in funeral costs and parliamentary debate about allowing plots to be re-used after a specified period of time.