A CHURCH leader has hit out at plans for a £50 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of the Abbey Stadium, saying its location next to the crematorium would be "totally inappropriate".

The Rev Andrew Smith has slammed the proposal, which is set to include a snowdome, ice rink, multi-screen cinema, several bars and fast food outlets.

He said he had not been asked for his views but he would be writing to planners to express his concerns.

The Rev Smith, vicar of St Stephen's Church, said: "I think it's the wrong development in the wrong place - it should be sited in the town centre.

"And I would like to ask the council about burial space at the crematorium. It is filling up very rapidly and there are only three or four more years of burials there.

"Where are we going to put the graves afterwards?"

The ambitious project, being spearheaded by Redditch Council together with developers Atlantic Beacon, has been registered with planning chiefs and is now out for consultation.

Mr Smith said: "I do think having fast food outlets and a ski slope overlooking the cemetery is totally inappropriate."

He also feels the development could be detrimental to the town centre.

"The idea of a sports stadium is great but they've chosen the wrong site.

"Some of the most recent graves would back onto the delivery entrance. I just don't think they've thought that through," said Mr Smith.

Council environmental services manager Guy Revans said: "We're already looking at increased burial space at the site."