Go-ahead given for second crematorium in Fenland - but subject to conditions

PLANS for a second crematorium in Fenland have been given the go-ahead, despite planners recommending it for refusal. In their report planners had questioned the compatibility of the crematorium s location near offices and factories . But at a meeting of

PLANS for a second crematorium in Fenland have been given the go-ahead, despite planners recommending it for refusal.

In their report planners had questioned the "compatibility of the crematorium's location near offices and factories".

But at a meeting of Fenland District Council's planning committee yesterday, councillors granted permission for the new crematorium in Chatteris - but subject to a number of conditions.

A report from the decisions said: "Grant, subject to: 1) re-consultations with no new grounds of objections being received, 2) prior completion of a section 106 Agreement in relation to environmental improvements and bio-diversity, 3) suitable conditions. And the details of the Section 106 agreement and conditions be referred to the next Planning Committee for agreement by committee."

Memoria Crematorium Ltd had said the Fenton Way site would benefit a wider catchment area serving Fenland, East Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire.

Planners had said the fact a second crematorium is going ahead in March is not sufficient on planning grounds to refuse the application.

Memoria had contended that there are many areas where two crematoriums exist in proximity of each other.

There had been a number of letters of objection to the application with one author saying that up to 300 potential jobs could be jeopardised if industrial sites do not go ahead because of it.

The Chatteris application received six letters of support from local funeral directors and local clergy men.