Crematorium battle continues (From Northwich Guardian)

Crematorium battle continues

8:30am Friday 8th February 2013 in News By Emma Rigby

THINGS are hotting up as two rival companies fight for the right to build a crematorium in Northwich.

Both Memoria Ltd and Westerleigh Group are hoping to build crematoria in the area - on the border of Lostock Green and Lach Dennis, and Shurlach Lane in Davenham, respectively.

While Westerleigh submitted its plans in early December, Memoria is currently appealing against Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWAC) refusal of its own plans last October after the strategic planning committee deemed it to be a departure from the local plan.

Memoria bosses are angry that Westerleigh has submitted its plans when their own are still yet to be discussed at appeal.

In a letter of objection on CWAC’s website, Harvey Ingram Shakespeares, writing on behalf of Memoria, questions the visual impact of Westerleigh’s plans after their own were rejected on the grounds that they would be an alien in the rural landscape.

The letter says: “Because of the topography of the land and in particular its relationship of the site to the A556 and the position of the proposed crematorium within the site, the crematorium building will be highly conspicuous in the landscape.

“It cannot be adequately screened by vegetation or the substantial bunds that are proposed and which themselves will be alien and incongruous in the landscape, detrimental to the rural character and appearance of the area.”

Memoria also objects to the plans due to the ‘lack of meaningful pre-application consultation’ carried out by Westerleigh.

Following Memoria’s letter, Richard Evans, managing director of Westerleigh, told the Guardian: “Westerleigh has followed planning officers’ guidance at every stage of this process and carried out substantial consultation.

“We made presentations to Davenham and Rudheath parish councils prior to application.

“Westerleigh’s site is perfectly suited to serve the Vale Royal area. It is easily accessible, off an A-road, and not overlooked by neighbours.”

What do you think of the plans? Which site do you think is best suited for a crematorium? Email emma.rigby@nqnw.co.uk