DEVELOPERS are appealing after plans for an “abhorrent” development on the site of the graveyard was rejected.

The plans for seven two-bed homes to be built on the graveyard of The Peculiar People’s Chapel, on Batts Road, were rejected by Maldon District Council in March.

However, the applicant has lodged an appeal against the refusal.

The appeal comes while residents are campaigning to change a law that would protect the site from the proposals.

Steven Smith, whose great grandmother is buried in the graveyard, said: “I and many others have relatives lying at rest in that section of the burial ground, and the thought that these plans would be allowed to continue is abhorrent.

“Sewerage, mains water and other services would have to be brought to the properties, which would mean excavation through the burial ground.

“My great-grandmother has only been at rest for 57 years in the burial ground and there are numerous relatives of the deceased in that portion who hold loving memories.”

Now Steven and other residents opposed to the development are seeking to change planning law.

The chapel was a Peculiar People’s chapel - a Christian offshoot established in 1838 in Essex.

The name of the movement changed in the 1950’s when it was renamed the Union of Evangelical Churches.

However, the current law means that only burial sites at Anglican churches are recognised as consecrated ground, which Steven says is “ridiculous”.

He added: “In this day and age it is not right. In this country every religion should be treated equally.

“We are trying to raise the question in Parliament and get the law changed to recognise all religions.

“We have passed it on to Priti Patel to see how she can help.”