A plot of land opposite a golf course could be transformed into a natural burial ground for people and pets.
Funeral director Holly Lyon-Hawk, of Gentle Endings, wants to create a cemetery, hearse track and car park on grassland off Blackhouse Hill in Hythe.
Natural burial grounds – which offer a “nature-connected alternative to traditional cemeteries” – require bodies to be buried with biodegradable coffins and without embalming treatments.
The land lies on the north side of the road – opposite Sene Valley Golf Club – and is surrounded by open countryside on three sides.
The five-acre plot is currently bordered by scrubland and contains a number of small wooden sheds.
No headstones will be allowed on the site – only the planting of native trees, wildflowers and grasses.
A six-metre wide, 30-metre long hearse track will lead to the burial area, which will eventually include a circular wildflower meadow.
A 16-space car park and overflow area allowing a further 10 cars is also proposed.
Ms Lyon-Hawk says her scheme offers a “peaceful, ecologically restorative resting place”.
“We’ve already had heartfelt feedback from local families, Hythe Town Council and the golf club, who welcome this proposal and see it as a long-overdue, deeply needed option that allows death to return to the land – gently, respectfully, and sustainably,” she said.
“Our aim is to create a peaceful, ecologically restorative resting place that offers families a meaningful, nature-connected alternative to traditional cemeteries and crematoria.”
All graves will be hand-dug to a depth of 3ft 6in in line with recommendations from The Association of Natural Burial Grounds.
They will be prepared the day before a funeral and covered with tarpaulin and scaffold boards.
Burial plots will then be backfilled manually to “minimise” disturbance to wildlife.
Ms Lyon-Hawk notes in her application how a maximum of three human burials will be carried out per week, with about nine to 12 per month – or approximately 100 to 150 annually.
Each funeral is expected to attract between 15 and 35 mourners, arriving in about seven to 15 cars.
A public footpath running to the west of the site will remain accessible at all times.
Ms Lyon-Hawk added: “The level of local backing reflects the broader community’s alignment with our vision for a sacred, ecologically restorative, and inclusive space.
“This site is not just for burials – it is designed to evolve into a thriving nature reserve, supporting local ecology and acting as a permanent sanctuary for wildlife and native plants.”
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In March, Ms Lyon-Hawk submitted similar plans for a 10.5-acre site in Egerton, near Ashford.
However, the application has faced opposition from some residents and Egerton Parish Council due to concerns over traffic and the rural road infrastructure.
A decision on that scheme is yet to be made.
