TOWN council chiefs have accused a housing developer of leaving residents 'misled' following an exhibition.

Lioncourt Homes Ltd held an exhibition about their plans for 150 new homes on land to the north of Defford Road, on the eastern edge of Pershore, between Tiddesley Wood and Pershore Cemetery.

Pershore Town Council clerk Ann Dobbins said that the housing developer's claim of the burial grounds at Pershore Cemetery being full were 'untrue.'

She said: "It was with great concern that members of Pershore Town Council have found that residents were, at that exhibition, somewhat misled.

"Residents were advised that the town council were not against the proposal. In fact the council has made no comment, as is their policy, and will not do so until they are formally consulted on a submitted planning application.

"Residents were advised that the town council cemetery is full and that the proposed extension could not be undertaken because the council are not permitted to develop the field.

"This is untrue, the town council has planning approval for all or part of their land to be used as a cemetery and whilst there were some archaeological finds this does not prevent the field being used. Additionally the current cemetery is not full.

"Residents were advised that the town council cannot re-use graves as residents are “in uproar” about it.

"The town council does have a policy of offering graves in the oldest part of the cemetery, with no grave owner, to residents who may wish to be buried in this section.

"If they prefer not, they are buried in a new grave in another area of the cemetery."

Lioncourt Strategic's Vicky Bilton said: "We were pleased so many people came to see our proposals for new homes and a country park on the SW edge of Pershore.

"We have suggested that a new burial ground and community building could be included in our plans, but these are only suggestions and we welcome the community's feedback.

"We agree with the town council that the community consultation is an essential part of any planning application. The exhibition - attended by 159 people - was arranged so residents could find out about the proposals and tell us what they think.

"We have also presented the proposals to the town council which has made it clear that it will only comment formally once an application has been submitted. At this point the town council is neither against nor in support of the application.

"We are fully aware the town council has planning permission for a new cemetery - and that there have been some archaeological finds on the site.

"We have suggested that land for burials could be included in our proposals - as a possible alternative - but only if the town council and community feel this is a better option. We have suggested land adjacent to Tiddesley Wood as it would provide a natural setting for a place of rest.

"We are surprised by the suggestion residents have been misled.

"As an established and award-winning Worcestershire-based developer, we take our responsibilities to local communities very seriously. Anyone wishing to view the plans - and how we have explained them - can see them online.

"Since the exhibition the town council has re-iterated that the burial ground is not full. We would be happy to include land for future burials in our proposals, if the community thinks this is needed. We apologise for any misunderstanding."