Plans to allow coffin burials at Crewe ecological burial ground set to be approved
Cheshire East is next week expected to give the go-ahead for coffin burials to take place at an ecological burial ground at Shavington.
Santune Meadows, off Main Road, is a natural burial site which already has permission for urn interments.
The reason for this latest application seeking to amend two conditions to the 2021 permission, is to allow coffin burials on the site as well.
It will be considered by the southern planning committee next week, rather than being decided by planners under delegated authority, after being called in by ward councillor Linda Buchanan (Labour), who requested an in-depth flood risk assessment via a site visit.
A report from the council's planning officer to next week's meeting says "It has previously been accepted that there is an opportunity to create new cemeteries to support the desire for woodland/ecological burial grounds, as identified within the cemetery strategy in the medium term.
"There is no such provision within the southern part of the borough and the ecological burial ground will complement the other traditional cemeteries in the south of the borough and offer choice to the residents of Cheshire East.
"This is a benefit of the proposed development."
The report says the proposed development will not be incongruous or adversely affect the landscape character, the highways impact will be minimal, and the improved access and parking provision are acceptable.
It continues: "There are no objections in terms of the flood risk/drainage implications of the development.
"The environment agency is now satisfied with the application, subject to the imposition of conditions, and as such there would be no harm in terms of groundwater pollution."Four residents have sent letters to the council objecting to the proposal and listed numerous reasons.
These include there is a lack of evidence relating to the impact upon groundwater and the proposal does not represent sustainable development and the benefits would not outweigh the impacts.
They also have several concerns relating to highways and traffic.
Letters of support have been sent in from 22 residents.
They list several reasons why the council should approve the application including it is a much-needed facility which meets community needs, the proposed burial plots will complement the urn interments which take place at the site and, they say, the site is professionally run, and the work will be carried out in a thoughtful and environmentally friendly manner.
A petition supporting the proposal has been signed by 76 people.
The application has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions, and will be considered at next Wednesday's, June 4, meeting of the southern planning committee, taking place at 10.30am at Crewe Municipal Buildings.
READ MORE: Roadworks commence to repair A500 Shavington Bypass.
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