Plans for a crematorium in Brereton have been recommended for approval despite objections from the parish council and some residents.

Congleton Crematorium Ltd is seeking permission for the building together with parking area on a field at the junction of the A534 and Pitcher Lane.

Parking would be provided for 92 vehicles and 14 bicycles and access would be from the A534.

A report from Cheshire East's case officer to next week's meeting of the strategic planning board (SPB) states: "A building with a linear form, including a ceremony room with seating for 100 people, would be constructed to the south of the parking area…

"To the south of the building there would be a memorial garden area, with pathways and areas of planting, including a proposed artwork with manicured planting to provide a focal point."

Brereton Parish Council has objected to the proposal saying: "Whilst the council is sympathetic to the need for a crematorium in the area, the proposed application is in open countryside and it was felt there were better sites that could be identified within the boundary of the town of Congleton."

The application site for the crematorium in Brereton outlined in red (Credit: CEC)

Cheshire East has received about 65 representations from the public.

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The report says: "Objections have been made on the basis of highway safety, highlighting the A534's accident history and the suitability of Pitcher Lane and Walhill Lane for additional traffic.

"Some representations also argue the scheme represents inappropriate development in open countryside, conflicting with Brereton Neighbourhood Plan policies, and raise issues around landscape harm, flood risk, ecology, and mineral safeguarding.

"Objection letters have also challenged the applicant's need case, suggesting existing crematoria have capacity."

Those who support the scheme say a crematorium is much needed for Congleton, it would reduce travel times, and that the design is high quality and would benefit the community.

The report from the case officer states: "The applicant has stated in their statement that the site will provide direct employment for the construction phase and during its subsequent operation; and other local businesses and services such as funeral directors, florists, celebrants and the hospitality industry will also benefit from the proposed development."

With regard to the site being in the open countryside, the report says there must be an essential need for this type of facility to justify it.

"The application has demonstrated that there is a need for new crematoria places and has shown that steps have been taken prior to submission to identify other possible suitable sites but that this site is the only realistic option in light of the requirements of legislation and the availability of land," it says.

The SPB meeting takes place at 10.30am at Macclesfield Town Hall on Wednesday, April 29.

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