Objectors’ concerns could scupper £9m crematorium plans
FEARS INCREASED TRAFFIC COULD LEAVE AREA JAMMED
PLANS to build a new crematorium in a Holderness village are set to go back before committee with recommendations to address traffic concerns that stalled them last month.
East Riding Council’s Planning Committee is set to vote on whether the proposed £9m crematorium, which would be built off Lelley Road, Preston, should go ahead tomorrow.
Council officers the conversion of recommended a layby in Lelley Road to a verge, new signs and markings, retaining drains and speed control and traffic monitoring measures if plans pass.
But they also stated it would not have any “significant” impact on traffic in the village despite local objectors claiming it could see Preston Road jammed by funeral processions.
They added a further recommendation to monitor traffic in Main Road once the crematorium is built but stated an increase was thought to be unlikely.
Officers also stated it was unclear whether cutting the speed limit in
Lelley Road from 60mph to 50mph would have a positive effect and have instead recommended keeping existing rules.
Assessments on the crematorium’s potential noise impact also found disturbances to nearby residents would be “negligible”.
The plans received 12 objections, including from the Preston Traffic and Safety Action Group, claiming the reviews did not take future visits from east Hull to the crematorium into account.
The group also claimed a “meaningful” review should take place once coronavirus restrictions end because of the impact of lockdown and home working.
Hull City Council also objected, claiming the new crematorium would have to compete with its site in Chanterlands Avenue, which typically runs at around 36 per cent capacity.
Hull City Council added the Holderness area’s rural population would be “insufficient” to make the crematorium financially viable and that the £9m cost could put pressure on future budgets.
The crematorium cover a total area of with plans stating site would 4.1 hectares, the building would have a low profile and landscaped grounds to blend it into its surroundings.
Plans also feature 195 parking spaces, including 168 for cars, eight disabled spaces, six for bicycles and six electric vehicle charging points.
Its chapel would have capacity for 108 mourners, with the crematorium set to be open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings.
The council estimates it would host two to three services a day, or 958 a year, primarily between “core hours” of 10am and 3.30pm.