Crematorium plans for land near Caersws have been submitted
Plans to build a crematorium near Caersws have been formally submitted to Powys County Council.
Powys Crematorium Limited intends to build an all-new crematorium at a 13.66 hectare site north of the B4568 road at Ael Y Bryn between Caersws and Aberhafesp.
The nearest crematoria are at Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, which are both around 40 miles from the site.
The plans include providing a green burial site as well as create a garden of remembrance, new and improved access arrangements, and car parking area.
Powys County Councillor for Dolforwyn, Councillor Gareth Pugh is registered as the only company director for Powys Crematorium Limited on the Companies House website.
Councillor Pugh is a member of the county council’s Planning committee and a spokesman has said that he will be taking “no part” or commenting on the process.
Due to his involvement – it is expected that the Planning committee would decide the proposal at a future stage.
To gauge the views of the community a month long pre-application consultation was held up to December 4, 2020.
According to the pre-application report by agent, Alan Southerby, the idea has had a mixed reception with people both for, and against the proposal.
Mr Southerby, said: “The applicant accepts that a new crematorium facility is likely to be a matter that will engender an element of public objection, and is pleased to have received feedback on its proposals.
“It is encouraging that there is a recognition that such a facility is required, even if those who have voiced their concerns believe it is in the wrong location.
“The applicant has taken the time to deal with and answer many of the issues raised in correspondence directly with those who raised concerns.
“Fundamentally, the applicant considers that there is a sound case for promoting the scheme.”
Mr Southerby added: “Following the pre-application consultation process, the application proposals remain essentially unchanged given that no overriding or fundamental objections were received to either the design or layout of the proposed development.”
Objections included issues such as highway safety, the location – ‘brownfield’ sites closer to larger centres of population anda more central Powys location would be better, that the scheme would damage the environment, the lack of business plan and detail of how much use is expected and that it is too close to people’s homes.
Support included that it is much needed facility for the community, convenient and reduces need to travel, green burial option is good, beautiful and peaceful setting and they liked the modern design.
