Sikh and Hindu crematorium refusal overturned

A planning inspector has overturned a council's decision to refuse permission for a crematorium for Hindu and Sikh funerals in Leicestershire.

Harborough District Council's planning committee said CDS Group's proposed crematorium complex in Keyham Lane West, on the edge of Scraptoft, would be too large and would not fit in with the surrounding area.

The firm lodged an appeal against the refusal, and a planning inspector has approved the scheme following a hearing on 14 January.

The inspector concluded the development would be "well designed and sensitively sited in an area where urban influences are common".

Simon Galton, the council's cabinet lead for planning, said: "It is very disappointing that the planning inspector disagreed with both the council and local groups and residents that the development will cause landscape harm because of its scale, height of chimneys and choice of materials.

"We will work closely with the developer to ensure any development proceeds in accordance with conditions set out by the planning inspector allowing the appeal."

The proposed crematorium, which includes two chapels and a dining hall, would host six services a day.

CDS said it wanted to demolish a vacant 19th Century farmhouse to make way for the complex.

In documents lodged with the appeal, the applicant said the land had not been farmed for a number of years and its 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.

The council said it received 56 letters of support and 30 objections to the scheme.

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.

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