A grandfather who wants to be buried, along with his family, in the hamlet he has lived in all his life has been granted permission to build a family mausoleum.

Overwhelming support was given to the plans by Caradon councillors, who approved the application, despite a recommendation being made to reject the proposals. Farmer Nick Rounsevell, who owns the farm at Caradon Town, can now move on with his plans to build an underground vault in the small hamlet near Liskeard so he and members of his family can be buried there.

He said: 'My father was here at the farm before me and I am very delighted. It is a very personal thing where you want to be buried and I have had nobody complain. You have to think about it while you are alive because it is a personal matter.'

The approval, which is subject to conditions yet to be drawn up, has been welcomed by local residents, who supported the application from the start. Local resident Miss Astin said: 'It is great news. I think it is good that the council have seen common sense. It will only be a small building and I think the people of Caradon Town will be pleased for Mr Rounsevell.'

The go-ahead was given even though the head of development control at Caradon urged the planning committee to refuse the plans on the site of a former chapel. No objections were raised by residents of Caradon Town and a natural stone building will now be built, housing six zinc-lined coffins, at the corner of a field.

The entrance will be fitted with a five-lever security lock and only a recognised undertaker will be allowed access.