PLANS for a funeral director and mortuary in Penketh are due to be debated next week.

Councillors are set to rule on a scheme to open one at Honiton Way at their meeting on Wednesday.

It would be sited in the former Molly's Blooms unit.

Two residents have objected and Penketh ward councillor Linda Dirir (LAB – Penketh and Cuerdley) has asked that the application be considered by councillors.

She raised concerns that the unit was in an 'inappropriate location for such a facility'.

She added: "The unit would not afford the necessary quiet dignity that is needed for the bereaved.

"The site is between a butchers and takeaways. Access at the rear is in a servicing area.

"Lack of privacy – rear of the units are overlooked by Meeting Lane Community Centre.

"HGV deliveries for the Spar supermarket cause access and parking issues."

But the application has been recommended for approval.

Planning document said: "It is noted that the Ward member raises concerns, stating that this is an inappropriate location for such a use and would not afford the necessary quiet dignity that it needed for the bereaved.

"Funeral directors are often located in small parades of shops and it is considered that this is an appropriate and sustainable location for the proposed use.

"As such, it would not be a justifiable reason to withhold planning permission on these grounds."

The application will be discussed by councillors at the development management committee which is taking place remotely on Wednesday.