PROPOSALS to amend previously granted planning permission for a crematorium at Woodham Mortimer have been submitted to Maldon District Council.

The district council’s northern western area planning committee approved initial plans in February 2023.

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

In addition, Cooper’s Monument, which is located in Maldon Road near the site, was proposed to be restored as part of the plans. 

A letter from estate agents White and Sons, on behalf of Maldon Fields Ltd, said the new application proposes to substitute the approved site layout and landscaping plans.

The letter said: “Changes are required as the approved site layout plan was an earlier revision which included footpaths within the area to be set aside for farmland bird cover crops as agreed with Place Services. 

“The currently proposed layout would remove these footpaths consistent with the advice and consultation response on the original application. 

“It is also proposed that a number of the hard surfaced pathways approved on the plan be replaced with mowed grass pathways which are more sympathetic to the landscape.”

The letter added the main parking area to the front would be amended slightly for “better functionality”, while the total number of parking spaces would decrease by two.

The parking areas would retain four disabled parking spaces, four EV parking spaces and nine EV capable spaces, with total provision being 83 spaces.

The new proposals also suggest increasing the size of the driveway immediately in front of the crematorium building to facilitate a fire tender and sufficient turning.

It is also proposed to amend the elevations to amend the sizes of some windows on the front and rear and increase the area of cladding at the entrance.

There would also be additional spaces for a hearse and limousine.

The letter concludes: "The proposed crematorium building would remain the same size and in the same location.

"The development would remain consistent with the description of development previously approved and in line with the conditions associated with the development."