Petition drawn up to fight plans near crem
‘‘ Any industrial development in the vicinity of Llanelli Crematorium would be completely unnecessary, there is enormous scope elsewhere in the form of empty industrial units which should be utilised prior to building any new units
- Winifred Lewis
PLANS to develop an industrial park close to Llanelli Crematorium has sparked controversy in the town.
People are so furious at the move to consider planning the development at Penprys Road site that they have drawn up a petition fight.
Former agricultural land would have to be sold off to allow for the scheme to be given the green light.
But Winifred Lewis, who put her name to the petition, said she was opposed to the plan.
She said: “Any industrial development in the vicinity of Llanelli Crematorium would be completely unnecessary, there is enormous scope elsewhere in the form of empty industrial units which should be utilised prior to building any new units.
“The crematorium is a vital, sacred facility, which should be left for quiet contemplation and reverence. In fact the crematorium should be the showcase of all that is good and commemorate those who have passed on. Memorial walks, tree shrouded
seating and pergolas. It is a crematorium.”
Esther Holman, who also signed up to the petition, urged for green areas to be protected for the future as opposed to being built on.
She added: “When there are already so many industrial areas that are now unused, why oh why do you want to consider destroying yet more agricultural land?
“Leave the green areas and reuse the already empty industrial areas.”
David Lynch said:
“Wouldn’t it be nice if families could send loved ones off in a nice quiet and peaceful location, is that to much to ask for in 2021?”
Gareth Leigh Howell, from Llanelli, said that the site should become a cemetery for the future instead as more burial sites in Llanelli start to run out of room.
He said: “Unfortunately they will run out of room in the Box Cemetery at some point.
“So why can’t they put the new cemetery up by the crem instead of an
industrial estate?”
The petition was setup by Cllr Rob James, Labour leader on Carmarthenshire Council, who said: “We believe it’s highly inappropriate for the area to be developed for an industrial park - as it will have a significant impact on the peaceful nature of the crematorium.”
Llanelli MP Nia Griffith said: “I am horrified that Plaid and independent councillors should ever have thought of plonking an industrial estate right next to Llanelli Crematorium. What are they thinking of? This shows no respect whatsoever for mourners. At what is a very distressing time, at least the crematorium currently offers calm and tranquillity.
“Moreover, why try and perch an industrial estate here, instead of maximising the use and upgrading of the existing industrial and brownfield sites we have in Llanelli?”
But Plaid Councillor Alun Lenny said the plan to develop the site was developed under the previous Labour-led administration.
He said: “Like so many people in west Wales, I know Llanelli Crematorium well, having attended a number of funerals, and once actually officiated in the funeral of a very dear friend. So I appreciate that it’s a very sensitive situation. If and when any application comes before the cross-party Carmarthenshire Planning Committee it will be rigorously considered, as always.”