PLANS for a funeral director and mortuary in Penketh have been approved by councillors.

Modern Day Funerals’ application for the Honiton Way site – in the former Molly Blooms unit – was passed by the development management committee during its virtual meeting on Wednesday.

Two residents had objected while Cllr Linda Dirir (LAB – Penketh and Cuerdley) requested for the application to be considered at a meeting of the committee.

She raised concerns over it being an inappropriate location for such a facility and believed the unit would not afford the ‘necessary quiet dignity’ that is needed for the bereaved.

Committee member Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) welcomed the plans.

She said: “In Stockton Heath on the eastern side of the road, there are three undertakers in a parade of a mixture of takeaways, chemists, bakers, butchers – it just adds to the vibrancy of the village.

“I don’t think anybody has ever expressed any concerns and I know the Co-op funeral directors have a dog bowl outside for dogs to drink water, so that’s how much part of a community it is.

“I think it’s an essential service, I think it would bring benefit to the shops on Honiton Square and I really fail to see why this is an issue, I really do struggle with this one.”

Cllr Peter Carey (LAB – Fairfield and Howley) told members he was quite happy with the proposals.

He said: “I think most funeral directors I have come across have been operated very discretely and have not caused any problems for neighbours.

“I think neighbourhood centres, like this one, they need as much variety as they can get because retailers are generally struggling, so to find another use that will fit into the parade is something to be supported.”

The application did not include any external alterations and, therefore, planning officers considered that there would be no harm to the character of the area.

The funeral directors will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. It will be closed on Sundays and bank holidays.