Crematorium and burial ground at Land Off Wakefield Road, Oulton, Leeds

The proposal

The application sought a crematorium, natural burial ground, access, parking, landscaping and up to 4,500 burial plots on an agricultural field.

“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use of an agricultural field and the erection of a crematorium and natural burial ground with associated access, car parking and associated landscaping works.”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of an agricultural field to provide a purpose-built crematorium and natural burial ground at Land off Wakefield Road, Oulton.”

Officer report

The site

The roughly 8.5-hectare field lies off Wakefield Road near Pennington Lane, with countryside, a school, a hall, trees and hedgerows nearby.

“The application site relates to a roughly rectangular parcel of land circa 8.5ha in size which comprises of an agricultural field and is relatively flat. It is located off the A642 Wakefield Road, Oulton close to the junction with Pennington Lane in a predominantly rural location.”

“The site has a belt of trees along the frontage Wakefield Road which provides significant screening from the roadside with trees also providing screening to the south, east and a section to the north. The remaining northern boundary is made up of hedgerows with the land directly to the north currently vacant but was used as an unauthorised off-road track.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An almost identical earlier scheme was refused for Green Belt, visibility, tree, servicing, road safety and legal agreement reasons.

“25/04228/FU - Change of use of vacant agricultural field and the erection of crematorium and natural burial ground with associated access, car park and landscaping works. Refused 14.10.2025 for the following reasons: i. Inappropriate development within the Green Belt with no Very Special Circumstances or a proven unmet need for the use ii. Insufficient visibility splays and potential impact on trees iii. Insufficient information regarding service vehicle turning iv.”

“This application follows an earlier refusal for a similar scheme last year. This was based on, in part, comments received from LCC Bereavement Services who stated that there was sufficient capacity at existing facilities. However, following the re- submission of the application as well as the competing proposal, where the independence of those comments was questioned, it was considered appropriate for the LPA to commission an INA for a new crematorium.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended deferral followed by delegated approval, subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing biodiversity monitoring, habitat management and burial plots.

“Significant on-site BNG Monitoring & reporting body sum (£20,000) 2. Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan Progress Report (HMMP) and amendments (as necessary) 3. Commitment to ensure that the natural burial plots are available prior to the first occupation of the Crematorium.”

“Submission of a plan for bat roosting & bird nesting features 26. Confirmation report of bat/bird features being installed 27. Details of how non-native species will be treated 28. Submission of a significant On-site BNG map and phase strategy 29. Submission of signification On-site BNG Verification Report 30. Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) 31. Arboricultural Method Statement (HMMP) Progress reports & updated HMMP 32. Tree protection measures and AMS 33.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Most consultees raised no objection, while the neighbourhood forum, ward councillors and residents raised concerns about need, traffic, Green Belt and amenity.

“Oulton & Woodlesford Neighbourhood Forum – Object to the proposal on Green Belt, highway safety, amenity, sustainability and precedent grounds.”

“The Rothwell councillors would like to associate ourselves with the objections of the Oulton and Woodlesford Neighbourhood Forum – namely around already expressed concerns on the independent assessment (it’s objectivity and evaluation methodology), and that there is not a need to release green belt land to deliver crematoria sufficiency, and that both sites identified on Wakefield Road and Methley Road would deliver an unwanted escalation of vehicle traffic at locations…”

Officer report

Speaking arrangements

A notification malfunction delayed invitations to interested parties, reducing their notice period for registering to speak.

The vote

Members unanimously voted to defer the application to a future meeting.

“On being put to the vote it was; RESOLVED – To unanimously agree to defer the application until a future meeting date.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was deferred so proper notification processes could be followed and interested parties could have sufficient opportunity to participate.

“Members were informed that a malfunction within the Council's notification system had resulted in correspondence inviting interested parties to register to speak at Plans Panel being issued later than required. Following receipt of representations from local groups regarding the reduced notice period, legal advice was sought.”

“It was noted that relevant parties in relation to this application had been advised prior to the meeting that officers were to seek a deferral.”

Minutes