Developers have launched an appeal with central government, hoping to overturn a decision by Bromsgrove District Council planning committee not to allow crematorium facilities at a cemetery being developed in the Waseley Hills.
Cemetery & chapel approval
Planning permission was granted for a cemetery on the green belt site in New Inns Lane, Rubery in 2012.
In 2014, planning permission to add a chapel and maintenance building was given.
“Adverse effect” on Green Belt
However at the same time – after much objection was expressed by local residents and politicians – Bromsgrove District Council refused permission to include facilities for cremation, citing an inappropriate, industrial use of green belt land and increased traffic to the site, amongst other issues.
Amended plans
Developers amended their plans to alter the chapel and maintenance building to include crematorium facilities in 2016.
Despite some changes being made to reduce the volume of the previously approved buildings, reduce the size of the car park and lessen the industrial appearance by redesigning the crematorium flue, the plans were again met with strong objection from many local residents and politicians.
Rubery councillor Peter MacDonald (Labour) told the Bromsgrove Standard that the council shouldn’t even be considering the application, after throwing out proposals back in 2014.
Cllr Andy Cartwright (Longbridge, Labour) & colleague Cllr Carole Griffiths opposed the application again, saying that a crematorium would have an adverse affect on traffic in Longbridge ward.
Over 100 residents comments were submitted in response to the plans. Hundreds voted in a B31 Voices poll, with just 30% in favour of the proposals.
Refusal & Appeal
The plans were unanimously turned down by the planning committee at a meeting on Monday 5th September 2016.
However, developers have now submitted the plans to the Governments Planning Inspectorate in an appeal to have the council’s decision overturned by the Secretary of State.
Have Your Say
The appeal decision will be made based on written representations.
If you have already submitted a written representation, it will have been forwarded by Bromsgrove District Council. However, if you have not yet done so, or you wish to add new comments, you can do so:
- Online: Visit https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk Enter 316829 in the search box
- By Email: to west1@pins.gsi.gov.uk
- In writing: Submissions can be sent (3 copies) to: Rachel Smith, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3P, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN
**All submissions should be received by 27th April 2017 and must quote appeal number APP/P1805/W/17/3168297
To view the appeal documents, along with the planning application documents, visit http://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ and enter the reference number 16/0581