A NEW crematorium aimed to help cope with a “growing and urgent” need for new facilities in Essex has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Plans for a new crematorium opposite St Margaret’s Church, at Woodham Mortimer, were approved by the district council’s northern western area planning committee.

A representative of applicant Maldon Fields Ltd said the nearest facilities in Chelmsford and Colchester are at capacity and that the crematorium would work closely with local funeral directors and clergy.

Richard Evans told councillors Chelmsford crematorium is particularly busy and was never designed to look after 2,000 cremations a year.

He said: “Anyone who has suffered bereavement knows that there is an urgent and growing need in this district for a new crematorium.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

"Existing choices are remote and overly busy, with delays of three weeks or more, especially at this time of year.”

The proposals themselves would consist of a two-storey crematorium building with a ceremonial hall, memorial garden and access from the A414, according to a Maldon District Council report.

Cooper’s Monument, in Maldon Road near the site, will also be restored as part of the proposals.

The crematorium is intended to host four services a day, outside of peak traffic hours.

Councillor Sue White (Con, Purleigh) said: “I think we do need it in the district. Wherever you put it there’s going to be some residents who don’t want it, but I actually think we need this. It looks a really nice, sympathetic design.”

But while the committee was largely supportive of the plans, some councillors raised concerns about highways issues.

READ MORE>>> Maldon crematorium plans set to be decided on by council

Jane Fleming (Con, Purleigh) said she was concerned about the safety of the 50mph road next to the site, despite the local need for a new crematorium.

John Keys (Con, Great Totham) said there should be more parking in the site, instead of some of the proposed hedges and shrubs.

He said: “There is certainly not enough space at Chelmsford, there is certainly not enough space at Colchester.

"Putting in shrubs and plants takes up valuable car parking spaces. I don’t want to see the whole thing covered in black tarmac or concrete, but they never seem to be looked after that well.”

A pedestrian island in Maldon Road and the the diversion of a footpath have also been approved as part of the application. Consultees, including Essex Highways, did not object to the plans.