Plans finalised for town crematorium off A47
BUILDING WORK on a crematorium on the A47 outside Hinckley could start in the spring if plans are approved by the council’s planning committee.
Detailed plans, covering the design, layout and access have been submitted and will be considered before the end of the year.
If approved, work could begin on the council-owned site off the A47 Leicester Road between Hinckley and Earl Shilton in Spring 2019, with the crematorium opening in 2020.
Earlier this year the council consulted the public on the design and facilities for the council-run facility before the final plans were drawn up.
As well as consulting with those living around the site, members of the local community and representatives of parish councils the council spoke to funeral directors to ensure the building works effectively and provides a quality service for residents.
Malcolm Evans, Estates and Assets Manager who is managing the project for the borough council, said: “The feedback we gained from the consultation was invaluable helping us to fine tune the design of the building in line with how it will be used and to ensure it will offer bereaved families a place of reflection.
“One of the most significant changes we made to the draft plans following the consultation was to increase the capacity of the chapel. This has been reconfigured to be flexible enough to accommodate both larger and smaller funerals sensitively, something that we are aware is currently much needed in this area.”
With the nearest available crematorium currently located in Nuneaton, the proposed facility could provide an alternative affordable cremation service with reduced waiting times and reduced travelling times for Hinckley and Bosworth residents.
The facility would complement the council’s cemetery services, create jobs and enhance the appearance of the site, and would fit well with the burial services provided as a borough council.
The cost of the project – around £4.6million – is being paid for out of the council’s capital budget, money which can only be spent on large projects, not for providing day to day services.
Council Leader Mike Hall said: “We have gone to great lengths to address any concerns raised during the consultation period, and these plans reflect the best possible design, which is sympathetic and will be a great asset to the community.
“Any profits generated from this investment will be able to be used in delivering better council services.”
Anyone wishing to view and comment on the plans can do so at: www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/comment go to View and comment online and enter Ref: 18/00751/DEEM