Plans for a “natural” burial ground where animal lovers can be laid to rest near their pets have emerged, sparking fears over increased traffic.

The proposal is for a 10.5-acre plot of farmland in Egerton, near Ashford and would be the fourth eco-friendly cemetery in Kent but the first in the east of the county.

Funeral director Holly Lyon-Hawk, of Gentle Endings, is behind the application, which has been submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for farmland owned by private estate Frasers of Egerton.

Natural burials are said to promote a deeper connection to nature and the environment by not using the embalming process.

This means no harmful chemicals go into the ground with the body instead returning to nature more quickly.

Planning documents state: "There currently aren't any 'true' natural burials in the Ashford/Tenterden area, with the closest being Sittingbourne and Edenbridge.

"So in a world where our environment is under ever more threat, a natural burial ground goes some way to actually supporting nature, helping to undo a fraction of the damage we cause.

“[It] will consist of two circular sections designated for human natural burials and one semi-circular area allocated for pet natural burials. These areas will be sown with native wildflowers and grasses, creating expansive wildflower meadows.

"This burial ground will become a nature reserve, being held in trust - for a minimum of 100 years - once full for future generations to enjoy.”

Planning documents reveal burials would take place between 10am and 3pm in the summer and 10am to 2pm in winter, with a maximum of three each week.

Up to 30 people could attend at any one time, with 12 car parking spaces and a ‘compost’ W/C facility also earmarked.

Access to the plot would be via an existing entrance from Barham’s Mill Road.

However, the application, which does not specify how many people or pets would be buried at the site, has not been well received by some Egerton residents.

Fears over increased traffic were raised by neighbours.

Posting on ABC’s planning portal Kayleigh Kench said: "I object to the proposed plans because they will lead to a significant increase in heavy traffic on our small country lanes. The charm and tranquillity of our rural environment could be compromised by a rise in noise and air pollution.

"Additionally, the increased traffic might cause wear and tear on our roads leading to costly repairs that could be detrimental to our community.”

Natalie Fewsdale added: "As direct neighbours of this proposed site we will always have concerns with aesthetics, acoustics and traffic management considering we live on such a small single rural lane."

Meanwhile, Egerton Parish Council has echoed its own traffic concerns about the plans.

“Whilst we are keen to see rural jobs created we cannot endorse this application” the local authority said.

“The vast majority of this road and others leading to it are single track and completely unsuitable for a funeral cortege. It is at least five miles from any major road.

“Whilst the plans say that this would not be a frequent use we do not believe this.

“Charing Crematorium has a service every 45 minutes, making the frequency more likely to be daily at this venue.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.

A decision on the application is expected by May 1.

KentOnline contacted Ms Lyon-Hawk for further comment.