Bid to overturn rejected Sikh and Hindu crematorium

Developers aim to overturn the refusal of their plans for a crematorium for Hindu and Sikh funerals in Leicestershire.

Harborough District Council refused planning permission for CDS Group to demolish a late 19th Century farmhouse and outbuildings in Scraptoft, and replace them with the crematorium complex.

Councillors rejected the development in April arguing it would be too large and would not fit in with the surrounding area.

The firm appealed against the decision and a planning inspector will review the case at a public inquiry starting on Wednesday.

The hearing was set to take place at the council's headquarters in Market Harborough and will be open for members of the public to attend, the authority said.

The application, planned for Scraptoft Lodge Farm in Keyham Lane East, included two chapels, which would host six services a day between them.

Proposals for the scheme attracted 56 letters of support and 30 objections.

Supporters of the bid said it would foster inclusivity, but opponents raised objections about the design, parking and any extra traffic funeral processions would create.

In documents lodged with the appeal, the applicant said the land had not been farmed for a number of years and buildings were prone to vandalism.

The developer argued the crematorium - with a chimney 2m (6.5ft) lower than originally proposed - would not be too large.

A decision was set to be made by the planning inspector over the coming weeks, the council said.

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