Crawley’s new cemetery has moved a step closer after it was granted planning permission last week.

The council’s Development Control Committee approved the plan for land at Little Trees, a 12-acre site next to the A264 Crawley South West By-Pass.

The new cemetery will provide enough burial space for up to 50 years.

Crawley’s existing cemetery – Snell Hatch in West Green – is running out of space and will be full in the next few years.

Construction work is scheduled to start in the spring with the cemetery opening about a year later.

Crawley Girl Guides currently use Little Trees and have agreed to move to Tilgate Forest, with the council agreeing to construct a purpose-built recreation near the new campsite.