JOBS are under threat if the Sustainability Centre in East Meon is refused vital planning permission to extend its natural burial site, staff said this week.

The award-winning centre has applied to EHDC for permission to use one more acre of land to extend its South Downs Burial Site, which would allow it to run for up to 10 more years.

Plots are filling up fast as more and more people are opting for natural burials in the countryside. It is predicted the site will have run out of space by the end of the year.

Rosie Bullough, managing director of the South Downs Natural Burial Site, said: "We would go out of business without permission, and stand to lose our jobs. There would be no full-time burial staff here, which would be very sad. That would be it. It would also mean a major loss for the Sustainability Centre."

For the last two years the site has won the Best Natural Burial Ground in UK award, out of a possible 200 entrants. Seven workers whose jobs are under threat have to wait until the end of September to hear if they will be granted the extra acre.

Mrs Bullough said: "There will be Champagne all round if we get it."

If permission is granted work will begin to clear conifer trees planted by the Navy in the 1970s.

Mrs Bullough said: "The redundant dark fir trees are horrible. They let in very little light and life.

"We plant native memorial trees which relatives can watch grow and benefit wildlife.

"We have attracted several endangered species, including unusual orchids, butterflies like the Green Hairstreak, the Purple Emperor and fantastic ground-nesting birds like the English Grey Partridge, all because we have done the burials. By removing the conifers, the light stimulated seeds which have been lying dormant for 40 years. It's now a mass of wild flowers, insects and lizards, where before there was nothing.

"People win, wildlife wins, and we don't cause pollution.

"Most burial grounds have problems with maintenance and vandalism and most people get cremated. We have a beautiful natural reserve where people can say goodbye in an unhurried manner."

If the site does close the nearest natural burial sites are at Guildford, Brighton and Bournemouth.

Woodland and assistant manager Sean Reeves, has worked at the site for more than a year. He said: "I would have to try and find work elsewhere. It would be very sad to leave, it's such pleasurable work."

Eileen Smith from Liss buried her husband at the site in November 2002. She said: "It will definitely be a shame if they lose their jobs. They are such kind people, and are fulfilling a desperate need. I think they do a fantastic job. My husband couldn't be in a better place."

Malcolm Bennett, 58, from Purbrook, had his wife buried at the site. She was the first person to be buried there, in May 2000.

He said: "The service provided by Rosie Bullough and Terena Plowright was practical, caring and friendly. It remains so to this day.

"Everyone that goes up there makes friend with them. I would be extremely sad to see them go. It's all part of keeping the project alive and the centre alive. It's become a social thing and made the grieving process much easier."

Later in 2000, Mr Bennett's father-in-law was also buried there, and he has purchased a plot near his wife for himself.

Mr Bennett said: "You'll be amazed if you visit, it's a wonderful tranquil place. We've actually sat up there and had a picnic before - you couldn't do that in a normal graveyard.

"Not only is this method of burial environmentally beneficial compared to cremation, it provides an alternative to the traditional graveyard, which many people find cold and uninspiring and which takes up valuable space in urban areas.

"Extending the area can only be beneficial to the environment as a whole and provide increased community access to this very special service."

Vivienne Meredith, from Horndean, buried her brother at the site last year, and is also in support of the plan.

She said: "We had a service up there last Christmas with lanterns, and I want to be able to do that again. They are doing such a good job, I can't speak highly enough of them. If you're disabled they will take you down in a four-wheel drive car, and that service would go. I have written a letter to the council of my support."

A spokesman for the council said a decision was expected on the application by the end of September.

Anyone wishing for information about the South Downs Natural Burial Site plans can contact staff on 01730 823005.