Hindu crematorium to be built in Denham
ANOOPAM MISSION WINS LANDMARK PLANNING APPEAL
HINDU families in and around Buckinghamshire will soon have a purpose-built crematorium, after the Anoopam Mission UK received planning decision to build a state-of-the-art facility on its grounds in Denham.
In a decision published last Thursday (16), the Planning Inspectorate acknowledged the special circumstances which justify construction on green-belt land. It noted that existing crematoria in the area do not adequately cater for all Hindu rites.
The spiritual leader of Anoopam Mission, Param Puya Sahebji said, “We welcome this important decision and the opportunity for Anoopam Mission to serve the Hindu population of the UK.
“Observing antim sanskar or last rites in accordance with our Hindu customs and rituals provides liberation for the departed soul and peace of mind for families during a sensitive time.
“Our large and tranquil grounds in Denham, with our newly built mandir facilities, provides an ideal location for this manav sewa, or service to humanity. We look forward to working with all Hindu organisations to deliver this vision for the whole community.”
The design of the crematorium building and associated facilities have been tailored to meet the needs of the Hindu community.
Under the proposal, there will be two waiting rooms, two private ritual rooms for pre-ceremony rituals, a large ceremony hall and a crematory hall. There is also a separate canteen building including dining, seating and showering facilities. This would enable ritual washing and communal eating following a cremation. Ample car parking will also be included.
It is estimated that building work will take between 18 months and two years, according to Satish Chatwani, international president of the Anoopam Mission.
More than 2,000 signatures of support were received for the proposals, with Lord Jitesh Gadhia as well as Conservative MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman, speaking in favour of the application during an appeal hearing.
Lord Gadhia said, “This is a landmark moment for the Hindu community in the UK. Many of us have actively campaigned for a purpose-built Hindu crematorium to meet the needs of our community and the provision of better facilities sensitive to our cultural and social requirements.
“The welcome judgment from the Planning Inspector recognises the very special circumstances that exist in meeting the unfulfilled needs of the Hindu community.”
“I hope it will also enable other facilities to be considered in areas of high Hindu, Sikh and Jain populations,” he added.