Erection of a new crematorium with associated access, car parking and landscaping.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application for the erection of a new crematorium with associated access, car parking and landscaping and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area that morning.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included representations from the Parish Council, Local Residents and RAF Shawbury.

Jane Kynaston, local resident spoke in objection to the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Ian White, Great Ness and Little Ness Parish Council spoke in objection to the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Simon Jones, Chairman of the Helicopter Noise Liaison Group spoke in objection to the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Phillip Niblock, Local Resident spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1), Councillor Ed Potter addressed the Committee as the local ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During his statement, a number of points were raised including the following:

·         There had been a large amount of development in Nesscliffe and concern had been raised in relation to the impact of this on the community;

·         He stated that a more independent need assessment was required to consider if Nesscliffe was the correct location for a crematorium;

·         The proposal would have a detrimental impact on the village; and

·         If the Committee were minded to approve the application he urged Members to consider adding conditions in relation to the need for signage to ensure that traffic avoided the village; and consideration given to financial contributions for traffic calming and improvements to local facilities.    

Matt Hubbard, Agent on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In the ensuing debate, Members raised concern regarding the location of the proposal and suggested that Shropshire Council as an authority should be deciding on the location of such a facility and therefore considered that a more independent need assessment was required. The Committee also referred to the comments from RAF Shawbury in relation to the anticipated increase in helicopter activity and felt that an additional noise survey was required in relation to this issue before a decision could be made.

In response to concerns raised by Members, the Technical Specialist Planning Officer explained that a detailed need assessment had been provided as part of the application and it was not usual for the Council to undertake its own.

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal and noted the comments of all the speakers, Members unanimously agreed to defer consideration of the application to a future meeting of this Committee to allow the opportunity for a more independent need assessment and an additional noise assessment.  

RESOLVED:

That consideration of the application be deferred to a future meeting of this Committee to allow the opportunity for a more independent need assessment and an additional noise assessment.