Crematorium with landscaped grounds at Brentwood Road, Orsett

What was proposed

The application proposed a crematorium with landscaped grounds, ecological and drainage measures, parking, an A128 vehicle access and a northern cycleway.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the development of a crematorium with landscaped grounds and other green and blue infrastructure plus car parking and vehicular access from A128 and new cycleway access from the north. The site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt.”

“The crematorium will also provide employment and a landscaped site with ecological enhancement and sustainable drainage provision.”

Officer report

Comments from the public

Twenty-six comments were received: twenty-three supported the proposal and three objected, raising concerns including traffic, privacy, design and distress.

“Twenty-Six (26) comments have been received with 23 in support and 3 objecting follows:”

“Highway safety especially with regard to A128 • Cycle track will impinge on privacy of residents • Cycle track unnecessary • Design outdated and incompatible with area • Lack of sewerage infrastructure • Presence of Crematorium will cause significant psychological distress to existing occupiers…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant gave a statement to the committee and answered questions about demand and a possible backlog.

Members’ debate

Members agreed there was a need for a crematorium, but some considered the location wrong and the facility too small, while others supported it.

“Members noted that there is a need for a crematorium, however felt it was the wrong location, and it was not large enough. Other Members were in favour of the application.”

Minutes

The vote

Five councillors voted for the recommendation and four voted against it, with no abstentions.

“For (5): Councillors Fletcher, Cherry, Kelly, Panjala, Shinnick Against (4): Councillors Sisterson, Jones, Liddiard, J Maney Abstain (0):”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to the conditions in the officer report.

“Recommendations That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 16 of the report…”

Minutes