The initial development plans for a new Westborough cemetery on Nourse Street would provide space for about 5,000 graves, meeting Westborough's needs for 50 years, town consultant Stephen Doret told the planning board Tuesday night.

Doret and Public Works Manager John Walden discussed the project with the board informally. A public hearing on the town's request for an earth removal permit was continued to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 because the abutters were not notified, Chairman Lester Hensley said.

Doret said the permit would allow public works crews to begin creating roads, "with limited clearing," at the cemetery. Much of the excess soil would stay on the site.

"There are places further back on the parcel that can use the fill," Doret said.

The public works department would do as much of the work as possible, he said.

The 5,000 graves would be on a five-acre part of a roughly 32-acre site, Doret said.

Walden said one acre would provide sufficient space for graves for 10 to 15 years.

Westborough could start selling lots within eight years, he said/