New Maldon Crematorium Set For Approval
Bereaved Maldon families will soon be able to attend services at a local crematorium, if planning permission is granted at a Maldon Council planning meeting on Wednesday.
If the plans get the go-ahead, Maldon residents would no longer have to endure long journeys to hold their funeral at Chelmsford crematorium. Going further afield to Basildon and Colchester can involve a drive of 40 minutes or more.
The crematorium would be built in a secluded spot, set down close to woodland off the A414/Maldon Road near to Woodham Mortimer.
The planning application was submitted some 15 months ago after extensive consultation. The Officers’ report recommends approval of the application, stating “The principle of the development of the crematorium in this countryside location is considered to be acceptable due to the justified need for a crematorium within the Maldon District.”
Heritage benefits of the scheme are identified in the report, including the improvement of the condition of the Grade II listed monument to William Alexander, which is located within the site, and the conservation and repair of the Coopers Monument. The Council’s Conservation and Heritage Specialist has advised that the proposed building “is, in my view, well considered and sympathetic”.
Richard Evans, Managing Director of Elegy, commented:
“Our application was submitted after extensive consultation and we have carefully worked through all of the queries and issues so that there are no outstanding issues or objections left.
“The pressures on crematoria have been stronger and it is now time, in my view, for this district to have a local service of their own. There will be a minimum of an hour allowed for each funeral affording bereaved families to have the time and space they need to hold a unique and personal funeral set in a natural, beautiful place with views over the countryside to Maldon and the waters beyond.”
Letters of support for the application have been sent to the Council by local funeral directors, including Paul J King, who is keen to see the crematorium now permitted:
“I am delighted to hear that these plans have been recommended as this service has never been more needed. Once open, it will make a huge difference to bereaved families and I very much hope that Councillors will take this into account and approve this application as Maldon needs a crematorium of its own.”