A controversial plan to build a cemetery on greenbelt land has been submitted for the second year, in an effort to disprove "blatantly false claims".

The plans to build a large multi-faith cemetery with a chapel were withdrawn in April last year, following widespread opposition from local residents.

From April 2014: Residents rally round to block plans for cemetery and chapel in greenbelt in Banstead

However, a revised application was submitted to Reigate and Banstead Council on July 29 this year, seeking permission to build on the 25 acres of pastureland in Croydon Lane, on the outskirts of Banstead.

The applicant, Anisha Amin, has registered Cemetery Development Services (CDS) as her agent.

Justin Smith, the managing director of CDS, told the Epsom Guardian that one of the reasons they withdrew the previous application was to reduce the size of the main building, after what he called "false rumours" were spread that it was going to be a crematorium.

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Mr Smith said: "We did this in response to some of the criticism that came in from the public.

"It was sad that a contingency of the local community has made some very blatantly false claims about the site and again we felt these had to be resolved and put to bed.

"We have now put forward a new application with a significantly smaller building that has many design features in keeping with local design and materiality. The layout is simpler and less obtrusive and the environmental impact sound.

"I think there are residents of Banstead who don’t want it but you’re always going to get that from people who don’t want change.

"We have to accept there will be a need for burial and there is a critical shortage of space. We have to address that."

A lack of burial space is becoming a problem in Reigate and Banstead.

According to a report released by the council in 2012, burial space in the borough could run out as early as 2017, with many residents in the north of the borough having to go to Epsom or further afield to bury their loved ones.

Although the site is greenbelt land, cemeteries that maintain the openness of the land can be deemed appropriate use for the greenbelt.

However, many local residents remain unconvinced by the plans. Last year, more than 600 people submitted objections to the council against the development. And so far this year, more than 150 people have registered their objections on the council website.

Many of the objections are concerned with an increase in traffic on Croydon Lane, which CDS is trying to compensate for by building an extra footpath to make it safer for pedestrians.

Daniel Diodato, 48, of Longcroft Avenue, Banstead, opposed the application last year, and objects to the new plans.

He said: "I’m opposing it because of the harm it’s going to do to the greenbelt.

"It needs to be protected, otherwise Banstead in 50 years time will just be swallowed up by urban sprawl.

"When I bought my house there was no cemetery. I would definitely consider moving, I don’t want to live next to a load of dead bodies.

"I’m just going to do what I can to get the plans rejected. And when they come back next year, as they probably will, I will oppose them again."

See the application, with reference number 15/01690/F, at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Got an opinion? Email letters@epsomguardian.co.uk